fate
fate Lexical Profile
fate Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as predetermined by a supernatural power.
"They believed it was fate that brought them together at the train station."
The eventual outcome, condition, or ultimate end of a person, group, or thing, especially when unfavorable or disastrous.
"The committee will meet tomorrow to decide the fate of the historic theater."
Any of the three goddesses in Greek and Roman mythology (Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos) who preside over the birth, life, and death of humans by spinning, measuring, and cutting the thread of life.
"In classical mythology, the three Fates determined the lifespan of every mortal."
• verb
To predetermine or destine someone or something for a particular outcome or condition (usually used in the passive voice).
"From the very beginning, the ambitious expedition was fated to encounter severe weather."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse with the homophone 'fete' (a celebration or festival); additionally, as a verb, 'fate' is used almost exclusively in the passive voice (e.g., 'fated to fail').
• Rhymes for fate
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English fate, borrowed from Old French or directly from Latin fatum ('that which has been spoken, prophetic declaration, destiny'), the neuter past participle of fari ('to speak').