des ‧ ti ‧ ny /ˈdestəni, ˈdestɪni/ BrE AmE noun ( plural destinies )
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Old French ; Origin: destinee , from Latin destinare 'to fasten, fix' ]
1 . [countable usually singular] the things that will happen to someone in the future, especially those that cannot be changed or controlled SYN fate
sb’s destiny
Nancy wondered whether it was her destiny to live in England and marry Melvyn.
2 . [uncountable] the power that some people believe decides what will happen to them in the future:
She always had a strong sense of destiny.
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THESAURUS
■ what will happen to somebody/something
▪ sb’s/sth’s future what will happen to someone or something:
He knew that his future was in films.
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Shareholders will meet to decide the company’s future.
▪ fate someone or something’s future – used especially when you are worried that something bad could happen:
The fate of the hostages remains uncertain.
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The show’s fate lies in the hands of TV bosses.
▪ destiny what will happen to someone in their life, especially something important:
Sartre believed that everyone is in charge of their own destiny.
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He thinks that it is his destiny to lead the country.
▪ the outlook what will happen, especially concerning business, the economy, or the weather:
The economic outlook looks good.
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Here is the weather outlook for tomorrow.
▪ prospect the idea or possibility that something will happen:
the awful prospect of another terrorist attack
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Prospects for a peace settlement don’t look too good.
▪ fortune what will happen to a person, organization etc in the future – used especially when talking about whether or not they will be successful:
Fans are hoping for a change in the club’s fortunes.
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Two years ago, my financial fortunes took a turn for the better (=they improved) .
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In 1680 he decided that his fortune lay in the theatre.