fate implies an inevitable and usually an adverse outcome.
the fate of the submarine is unknown
destiny implies something foreordained and often suggests a great or noble course or end.
the country's destiny to be a model of liberty to the world
lot and portion imply a distribution by fate or destiny, lot suggesting blind chance
it was her lot to die childless
, portion implying the apportioning of good and evil.
remorse was his daily portion
doom distinctly implies a grim or calamitous fate.
if the rebellion fails, his doom is certain
Examples of destiny in a Sentence
They believed it was their destiny to be together.
motivated by a sense of destiny
Recent Examples on the WebBased on the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher converges the stories of Geralt of Rivia and Ciri — the crown princess of Rivia — through their destiny as Geralt becomes Ciri’s protector to keep Ciri’s magical powers and Elder Blood safe for the good of their world.—Skyler Trepel, Peoplemag, 16 June 2024 But the Liberty can do their best to control their destiny.—Fiifi Frimpong, New York Daily News, 14 June 2024 Parade wants to replace the usual enticements of fiction—people and the story of their destinies—with the illumination of pure possibility.—Nicholas Dames, The Atlantic, 14 June 2024 Of course, to fulfill that (lofty, if not outrageous) destiny, Warsofsky has his work cut out for him.—Dieter Kurtenbach, The Mercury News, 13 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for destiny
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'destiny.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English destinee, from Anglo-French, from feminine of destiné, past participle of destiner — see destine
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