Destiny vs. Fate - English learner question?

Question

Hey everyone!
Today's questions regards the difference between fate and destiny. It's nothing a dictionary could help me understand, since quite frankly, both words translate to the same words in my native language. But I do have the feeling that there is a slight, often fluid, difference between the words 'fate' and 'destiny'. I would describe it as follows: Destiny is bigger than fate. Destiny has a sense of predetermination. A role in a big plan or scheme while fate only describes a lack of alternatives or something that must be due to duty. As an example, Jason's destiny was it to find the Golden Fleece while it was the Argonauts fate to support him on his task. (If anyone feels spoilered by my last sentence, buhuu, that story is over 2000 years old. You had enough time.)

That's the difference I ended up with by hearing these two words be used in countless different films, books and computer games. So, just to improve my sense of the language, as natives, would you confirm my understanding?

Wesley · Accepted Answer

In North American English the word Destiny often refers to not only an event that had to happen but also the individuals sole reason to exist, something that he or she was born to do while  the word fate is almost interchangeable with the word damnation. In the literal meanings they are identical but this seems to be their common usage in North American English.

Zanztetuken · Answer

Really they're the same, but I guess they seem to be commonly used in the following ways:

Fate is more passive, I believe. A good example of this would be Harry Potter. He didn't do anything to survive getting shot by Voldemort; he was fated to do so (except I guess it was his mom doing some crap to him but for the sake of the explanation, let's pretend it was chance, haha)

Destiny is a little more active. Like, it's something you have to do, rather than it just happening to you, such as Harry Potter growing up, learning magic, and [SPOILER] killing Voldemort (shocker I know). He had to actively fulfilled his destiny I guess?

susan · Answer

You made me laugh. (2000 years old. Had enough time.)

I agree with you. Really, they can mean the exact same thing. But Destiny always seems to be about something important, while Fate can either be important or not be important.

RE · Answer

Fate is often more negative and destiny more positive. You can say "He met a terrible fate" but you wouldn't say "He met a terrible destiny." Fate can actually mean death sometimes.

You can say "She was destined for greatness" but you wouldn't say "She was fated for greatness." Destiny is something you rise up to, while fate is often something you succumb to.

Destiny vs. Fate - English learner question?

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