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destiny

B2
Common

Pronunciation

UK

  • /dˈɛstɪni/

US

  • /ˈdɛstəni/

Meanings

Noun

  1. the future course or outcome that seems meant to happen

  2. a power believed to control what happens in the future

Beyond the definition

Destiny isn't just about what will happen; it's the idea that some events are bound to happen, set in advance, or meant to be. It suggests something bigger than us is at play, guiding us along a specific path. Think of ancient Greek myths where heroes battled against their destiny—often unsuccessfully! While we make choices every day, some believe those choices are also part of our destiny.

You might say it was destiny when two people find true love, or that a tragic event was "sealed by destiny." It's a powerful word often used in stories about heroes, villains, and the grand sweep of history. Unlike luck, which is random, destiny feels like it has a purpose—like there's a reason things unfold as they do.

Examples

  1. 1

    Belief

    Many people believe in destiny, especially after a surprising coincidence.

  2. 2

    Life purpose

    He felt it was his destiny to become a teacher.

  3. 3

    Story conflict

    In the story, the young prince tries to escape his destiny.

  4. 4

    Personal choice

    Some people think we shape our own destiny through the choices we make.

More examples
  1. 5

    Long training

    After years of training, she believed she was finally fulfilling her destiny.

  2. 6

    Taking action

    He took his destiny into his own hands and started the company himself.

    • Phrasetake your destiny into your own hands

      stop waiting and act for yourself

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

Used with (collocations)

  • fulfill one's destiny
  • shape one's destiny
  • meet one's destiny
  • manifest destiny

Word family

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Forms and spellings

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Main spelling

  • destinynoun