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destiny
[ des-tuh-nee ]
noun
- something that is to happen or has happened to a particular person or thing; lot or fortune.
- the predetermined, usually inevitable or irresistible, course of events.
Synonyms: future
- the power or agency that determines the course of events.
- (initial capital letter) this power personified or represented as a goddess.
- the Destinies, the Fates.
destiny
1/ ˈdɛstɪnɪ /
noun
- the future destined for a person or thing; fate; fortune; lot
- the predetermined or inevitable course of events
- the ultimate power or agency that predetermines the course of events
Destiny
2/ ˈdɛstɪnɪ /
noun
- the power that predetermines events, personified as a goddess
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of destiny1
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Synonym Study
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Example Sentences
We’re trying to sort of take destiny into our own hands with the RFP process by making it as actionable as possible.
Going into the weekend, seven playoff spots were still up for grabs, with several teams controlling their own destiny.
Long ago in another century, Sigmund Freud declared “biology is destiny.”
The Giants control their own destiny as the leaders of the NFC East, while the Cardinals suffered a costly loss to the NFC West rival Rams last week.
The vision was for AT&T to “control its destiny” by owning “a big portfolio of premium content,” as former CEO Randall Stephenson explained to Fortune in 2019.
Couple walked towards the opposite end of the dungeon, where she previously played with Destiny.
Thirty-seven years later, that destiny remains largely unattained.
Without the community, the ultimate destiny of any preservation project, no matter how ambitious, will be short-lived.
Laylah and her older sister, Destiny, attended the school affiliated with Our Lady of Good Hope Roman Catholic Church.
According to Campbell, every hero encounters a wise mystic who helps him embrace his destiny.
There her destiny would be played out, there and in the land of which London was the beating heart.
The economic destiny of a region is greatly influenced by its natural resources as well as by its location.
And Isabel's very strength alarmed him, the more so as he felt her subtle fingers among the leaves of his new destiny.
He did not take his new work seriously, although he had no presentiment of his future destiny.
Her singular destiny had imparted something strange to her appearance, which gave her, however, only an added charm.
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Related Words
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More About Destiny
What does destiny mean?
Destiny commonly refers to a specific future or outcome that results from a predetermined or inevitable course of events. The word can also refer to the course of events itself or to the power or force thought to make such things happen.
A close synonym for all of these senses of the word destiny is fate.
Destiny involves what is going to happen, what has to happen, or what is meant to be. If a certain future is said to be someone’s destiny, it can mean that it’s destined (foreordained or predetermined) to happen, or that it should happen. Destiny is often thought to be out of our control, though some people believe you can control your own destiny.
Destiny is sometimes personified—represented as a person, such as a goddess who has the power to determine the course of events in life. When used this way, it is often capitalized.
Destiny should not be confused with density, which is the quality of how dense or compact something is.
Example: I believe it was my destiny to be there that day so that we could meet—it was meant to be.
Where does destiny come from?
The first records of the word destiny come from around 1300. It ultimately comes from the Latin verb dēstināre, meaning “to determine.”
When destiny is used to refer to a force that controls what will happen, it’s often thought of a cosmic or supernatural power—or it’s at least compared to one. When destiny is used in the context of religion, it’s often used in discussions of whether humans have free will—the freedom to make our own choices.
The idea of destiny is a common theme in many epic stories, such as those that involve a heroic character who’s the subject of a prophecy.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms related to destiny?
- destinies (plural)
What are some synonyms for destiny?
What are some words that share a root or word element with destiny?
What are some words that often get used in discussing destiny?
How is destiny used in real life?
People usually talk about destiny in terms of what is going to happen to them or what is meant to happen.
You are in control of your own destiny!!!! You can do it!!!!!!!!
— Diddy (@Diddy) September 20, 2017
No bad break can keep you from your destiny.
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) August 4, 2017
A new study suggests that many women believe that pregnancy is determined by "destiny:" https://t.co/npzSeQ4Juo pic.twitter.com/q8Jm3XvuiW
— Glamour (@glamourmag) March 16, 2016
Try using destiny!
Is destiny used correctly in the following sentence?
It is your destiny to run this company, and nothing will stand in your way.
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