C1noun 1K

Fate

🇬🇧 UK /["/feɪt/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/feɪt/"]/

Meaning of Fate

the things, especially bad things, that will happen or have happened to somebody/something

In simple words: What happens to a person or thing in the future.

Fate in a sentence

• She believed that her fate was sealed the moment she left her hometown.
• Many stories revolve around characters trying to escape their fate.
• He often wondered if fate had a plan for him beyond what he could see.
• The ancient Greeks thought fate was controlled by the three Fates who determined human destiny.
• Their fate was intertwined with the outcome of the battle they fought together.

How to use Fate

Use 'fate' when discussing destiny or unavoidable events. It's formal enough for serious topics but can also be used casually. Avoid using in overly casual or light conversations.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'fate' — imagine a date with your future beyond your control.

Related words

Collocations with Fate

• awful
• grim
• horrible
• face
• meet
• suffer
• await somebody/​something
• be in store for somebody/​something
• lie in store for somebody/​something
• leave your fate in somebody’s hands
• place your fate in somebody’s hands
• put your fate in somebody’s hands
• cruel
• kind
• believe in
• tempt
• leave something to
• decide something
• decree something
• intervene
• an accident of fate
• a turn of fate
• a twist of fate

Synonyms for Fate

• destiny
• fortune
• lot
• doom
• kismet

Opposites of Fate

• choice
• free will
• determination

Common mistakes with Fate

• Confused with 'fate' vs 'destiny' - 'fate' is often considered more fatalistic.
• Used inappropriately in a non-physical sense, such as 'fate of feelings'.
• Omitting articles incorrectly, e.g., 'Fate is inevitable' instead of 'The fate is inevitable.'

Frequently asked questions about Fate

What does Fate mean?

What happens to a person or thing in the future.

What is the definition of Fate?

the things, especially bad things, that will happen or have happened to somebody/something

How do you use Fate in a sentence?

She believed that her fate was sealed the moment she left her hometown.

Can you give another example of Fate?

Many stories revolve around characters trying to escape their fate.

What are synonyms for Fate?

Common alternatives include destiny, fortune, lot, doom, kismet.

What is the opposite of Fate?

Opposite meanings include choice, free will, determination.

What words go with Fate?

It commonly pairs with awful, grim, horrible, face, meet, suffer, await somebody/​something, be in store for somebody/​something, lie in store for somebody/​something, leave your fate in somebody’s hands, place your fate in somebody’s hands, put your fate in somebody’s hands, cruel, kind, believe in, tempt, leave something to, decide something, decree something, intervene, an accident of fate, a turn of fate, a twist of fate.

What are common mistakes when using Fate?

Confused with 'fate' vs 'destiny' - 'fate' is often considered more fatalistic. Used inappropriately in a non-physical sense, such as 'fate of feelings'. Omitting articles incorrectly, e.g., 'Fate is inevitable' instead of 'The fate is inevitable.'

How do you pronounce Fate?

US: /["/feɪt/"]/, UK: /["/feɪt/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Fate?

Use 'fate' when discussing destiny or unavoidable events. It's formal enough for serious topics but can also be used casually. Avoid using in overly casual or light conversations.

What CEFR level is Fate?

"Fate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.