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
Example Sentences
They believed it was their destiny to be together. motivated by a sense of destiny
Recent Examples on the WebChris also added that acting seemed part of his destiny, following in his father's footsteps. Benjamin Vanhoose, Peoplemag, 9 Aug. 2022 Because Emirates has so many A380s, the destiny of the plane will largely rest in its hands. Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 11 July 2022 Stalin genuinely believed the entire destiny of man was communism. Michael Brendan Dougherty, National Review, 6 Apr. 2022 Choosing is the destiny of human beings, from which we will never be rescued. Damon Linker, The Week, 4 Oct. 2021 The destiny of our people must be to hold high the banner of freedom for all men everywhere. Erin Sood, Dallas News, 1 July 2021 Fifteen independent states emerged from the ruins of the USSR, each with its own destiny. Fred Weir, The Christian Science Monitor, 31 Aug. 2022 Thus Nell fulfilled her female destiny, but did not escape her boredom. Jeanine Basinger, WSJ, 12 Aug. 2022 Like many colored women intent on arranging their destiny, Baker subjected her origin story to copious revisions. Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 8 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English destinee, from Anglo-French, from feminine of destiné, past participle of destiner — see destine