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
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Imagine for a moment the great leaders who have changed the destiny of humanity.—Veronica Angela, Forbes.com, 3 June 2025 But the Pacers seem to be the team of destiny, always seemingly finding ways to win.—Matt Levine, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 June 2025 Your superstar has to go supernova Every team of destiny has one thing in common: a superstar who raises his game to an all-time level.—Andy Scholes, CNN Money, 30 May 2025 So did a much greater man, a true figure of destiny: Winston Churchill.—Llewellyn King, Boston Herald, 26 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for destiny
Word History
Etymology
Middle English destinee, from Anglo-French, from feminine of destiné, past participle of destiner — see destine
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