fates
B2literary, formal, poetic, philosophical
Definition
Meaning
The predetermined, inevitable, or uncontrollable events and outcomes in life, often personified as three goddesses who spin, measure, and cut the thread of life.
Often used to refer to destiny or the ultimate outcome of a situation, especially in a collective or personified sense. Can also mean 'to destine' or 'to decree' when used as a verb.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a plural noun, often capitalized ('the Fates') when referring to the mythological figures. The verb form ('it fates him to...') is highly literary and archaic.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal difference. The concept and usage are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Same strong connotations of inevitability, destiny, and a lack of free will.
Frequency
Equally literary/formal in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + one's fate (meet, accept, tempt)[possessive] + fate + [verb] (his fate was sealed)the fate of + [noun phrase]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a fate worse than death”
- “seal someone's fate”
- “tempt fate”
- “twist of fate”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used metaphorically, e.g., 'The fates of the two merging companies are now intertwined.'
Academic
Common in literature, philosophy, and history to discuss determinism, mythology, or historical inevitability.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; used for dramatic or humorous effect, e.g., 'The fates have decided we're having pizza again.'
Technical
Not applicable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- It seemed to fate him to a life of obscurity.
- Their meeting was fated from the start.
American English
- He was fated to fail from the beginning.
- The prophecy fated the kingdom to fall.
adverb
British English
- They were fatedly drawn together.
- (Archaic, virtually unused)
American English
- (Archaic, virtually unused)
adjective
British English
- A fated meeting.
- Their fated encounter.
American English
- Their fated reunion.
- A fated conclusion.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- In the story, the good people have happy fates.
- The fates of the two main characters are very different.
- They believed the Fates had decided their future long before they were born.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
FATES: For All Things Eventually Sealed.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A THREAD (spun, measured, and cut by the Fates). DESTINY IS A FORCE/AGENT (the Fates decree).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'судьба' (fate/destiny as a singular abstract concept). 'Fates' (plural) often implies multiple destinies or the personified agents. The verb 'to fate' is extremely rare; avoid translating 'ему суждено' directly as 'it fates him'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'fates' as a singular noun (incorrect: 'his fates was...'). Confusing 'fate' (uncountable/singular) with 'fates' (plural). Overusing in informal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best captures the core meaning of 'the Fates'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, only when specifically referring to the mythological figures (e.g., 'the Three Fates'). When used generally to mean 'destinies', it is lowercase.
Not exactly. 'Fate' is often singular and abstract ('the power of fate'). 'Fates' is plural, referring to multiple destinies or the personified goddesses.
No, it is very rare and considered archaic or highly literary. 'Destined' or 'doomed' are more common alternatives.
They are often synonyms. Some nuances: 'Fate' can imply a more predetermined, unavoidable, and sometimes negative outcome. 'Destiny' can imply a more grand, positive, or purposeful preordination.