destiny
Definitions
The events that will necessarily happen to a person in the future
命运，天命
The hidden power believed to control future events; fate
主宰命运的力量
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedde- (firmly, completely) + stin (from stāre, 'to stand/set') = 'that which is firmly set down.' Destiny is what has been firmly fixed in advance — your fate is 'set in place' before you reach it. Same root cluster as destination (the place you are 'set' to arrive).
Root st still carries 376 more wordsWhy It Means This
Destiny, destine and destination all share the idea of something 'firmly set in advance.' Destiny feels mystical (fate), but the root image is concrete: a point fixed ahead of time that you are bound to reach — just like a travel destination.
Common Collocations
- 1.human destiny人类的命运
- 2.control one's destiny掌控自己的命运
- 3.shared destiny共同命运
- 4.manifest destiny天定命运
Example Sentences
- 1.
She believed it was her destiny to become a doctor.
- 2.
We must take control of our own destiny.
- 3.
Destiny brought the two of them together.