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 WebWhy making Horizon has long been Kevin Costner’s (manifest) destiny
Theaters are even more bullish about buzzy releases this fall and winter, with expectations that 2024’s fourth quarter will greatly surpass last year’s.—Wesley Stenzel, EW.com, 31 May 2024 His grandiloquent narration repeatedly expresses as much, along with assurances that greatness is his destiny, and that everyone around him is some manner of fool for not recognizing his genius.—Jessica Kiang, Variety, 19 May 2024 What does the latest research tell us about how to influence our destiny?—Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2024 That’s when Crawford realized the need and saw a way to give youth living in public housing more control over their destinies.—Lisa Vernon Sparks, Charlotte Observer, 22 May 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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