Future vs. Fate — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 17, 2024
Future refers to the time or events that will happen after the present, open to influence; fate implies a predetermined course of events beyond human control.
Difference Between Future and Fate
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The concept of the future encompasses all that is yet to occur, offering possibilities shaped by actions, decisions, and circumstances. Whereas, fate is often seen as a predetermined end or sequence of events that cannot be altered, regardless of personal choices or actions.
When discussing planning or goal-setting, individuals typically consider the future as a canvas on which they can paint their desired outcomes through effort and strategy. On the other hand, fate is accepted as a fixed narrative, where outcomes are believed to be preordained by external or metaphysical forces.
In many cultures, the future is a source of hope and motivation, encouraging proactive behavior and innovation to influence what comes next. Conversely, the concept of fate can either provide comfort, suggesting that certain things are meant to be, or it can lead to resignation, where individuals feel powerless to change their circumstances.
The influence of technology and science is often viewed as a way to predict and shape the future, enhancing human agency in changing outcomes. Fate, however, is generally rooted in philosophical, religious, or spiritual beliefs that transcend scientific understanding, suggesting that some aspects of life are governed by forces beyond human manipulation.
Legally and ethically, discussions about the future involve considerations of responsibility and the consequences of human actions, such as in debates over environmental policy or technological ethics. Fate, in contrast, is rarely invoked in such discussions, as it implies inevitability and the absence of choice.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Time or events that have not yet occurred.
Predetermined course of events.
Influence
Can be shaped by human actions.
Considered beyond human control.
Cultural Perception
Seen as open and mutable.
Often viewed as fixed and inevitable.
Role in Planning
Central to goal-setting and strategy.
Rarely considered changeable.
Philosophical Basis
Linked to notions of free will.
Associated with determinism.
Compare with Definitions
Future
A prospect of success or happiness in one's life.
He believes that hard work will secure a better future.
Fate
The development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
Fate decided that they would meet again.
Future
Used to describe the form of a verb used to talk about things that will happen.
In the sentence, She will go, will go is in the future tense.
Fate
The outcome, end, or result of a particular situation or event.
It was his fate to win the lottery.
Future
The time or period that will come after the present.
She plans to start her own business in the near future.
Fate
A disastrous event, often seen as inevitable.
The ship met its fate during a storm.
Future
The condition of a person or thing at a later date.
The future of the industry looks promising.
Fate
Used to refer to death or an ultimate outcome.
He met his fate bravely.
Future
Refers to what will happen to someone or something in time to come.
The future of space travel is exciting.
Fate
Often personified as a force or powers that predetermine events.
Fate has been cruel to him.
Future
The future is the time after the present. Its arrival is considered inevitable due to the existence of time and the laws of physics.
Fate
The supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events
Fate did not favor his career.
Future
The indefinite time yet to come
Will try to do better in the future.
Fate
The inevitable events predestined by this force
It was her fate to marry a lout.
Future
Something that will happen in time to come
"The future comes apace" (Shakespeare).
Fate
A final result or consequence; an outcome
What was the fate of your project?.
Future
A prospective or expected condition, especially one considered with regard to growth, advancement, or development
A business with no future.
Fate
An unfavorable outcome in life; doom or death
Suffered a fate worse than death.
The island where the explorer met his fate.
Future
Often futures A financial instrument that obligates the holder to buy or sell an asset at a set price on a specified date in the future
A market for copper futures.
Fate
Fates Greek & Roman Mythology The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who control human destiny. Used with the.
Future
The form of a verb used in speaking of action that has not yet occurred or of states not yet in existence.
Fate
The presumed cause, force, principle, or divine will that predetermines events.
Future
A verb form in the future tense.
Fate
The effect, consequence, outcome, or inevitable events predetermined by this cause.
Future
That is to be or to come; of or existing in later time.
Fate
An event or a situation which is inevitable in the fullness of time.
Future
The time ahead; those moments yet to be experienced.
Fate
Destiny; often with a connotation of death, ruin, misfortune, etc.
Accept your fate.
Future
Something that will happen in moments yet to come.
Fate
(mythology) Fate (one of the goddesses said to control the destiny of human beings).
Future
Goodness in what is yet to come. Something to look forward to.
There is no future in dwelling on the past.
Fate
(biochemistry) The products of a chemical reaction in their final form in the biosphere.
Future
The likely prospects for or fate of someone or something in time to come.
Fate
(embryology) The mature endpoint of a region, group of cells or individual cell in an embryo, including all changes leading to that mature endpoint
Future
(grammar) Verb tense used to talk about events that will happen in the future; future tense.
Fate
(transitive) To foreordain or predetermine, to make inevitable.
The oracle's prediction fated Oedipus to kill his father; not all his striving could change what would occur.
Future
(finance) futures
Fate
A fixed decree by which the order of things is prescribed; the immutable law of the universe; inevitable necessity; the force by which all existence is determined and conditioned.
Necessity and chanceApproach not me; and what I will is fate.
Beyond and above the Olympian gods lay the silent, brooding, everlasting fate of which victim and tyrant were alike the instruments.
Future
An object that retrieves the value of a promise.
Fate
Appointed lot; allotted life; arranged or predetermined event; destiny; especially, the final lot; doom; ruin; death.
The great, th'important day, big with the fateOf Cato and of Rome.
Our wills and fates do so contrary runThat our devices still are overthrown.
The whizzing arrow sings,And bears thy fate, Antinous, on its wings.
Future
(sports) A minor-league prospect.
Fate
The element of chance in the affairs of life; the unforeseen and unestimated conitions considered as a force shaping events; fortune; esp., opposing circumstances against which it is useless to struggle; as, fate was, or the fates were, against him.
A brave man struggling in the storms of fate.
Sometimes an hour of Fate's serenest weather strikes through our changeful sky its coming beams.
Future
Having to do with or occurring in the future.
Future generations will either laugh or cry at our stupidity.
Fate
The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, sometimes called the Destinies, or Parcæwho were supposed to determine the course of human life. They are represented, one as holding the distaff, a second as spinning, and the third as cutting off the thread.
Future
That is to be or come hereafter; that will exist at any time after the present; as, the next moment is future, to the present.
Fate
An event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
Future
Time to come; time subsequent to the present (as, the future shall be as the present); collectively, events that are to happen in time to come.
Fate
The ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events (often personified as a woman);
We are helpless in the face of Destiny
Future
The possibilities of the future; - used especially of prospective success or advancement; as, he had great future before him.
Fate
Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);
Whatever my fortune may be
Deserved a better fate
Has a happy lot
The luck of the Irish
A victim of circumstances
Success that was her portion
Future
A future tense.
Fate
Decree or designate beforehand;
She was destined to become a great pianist
Future
The time yet to come
Future
A verb tense that expresses actions or states in the future
Future
Bulk commodities bought or sold at an agreed price for delivery at a specified future date
Future
Yet to be or coming;
Some future historian will evaluate him
The present leader
Articles for present use
The present topic
The present system
Present observations
Future
Effective in or looking toward the future;
He was preparing for future employment opportunities
Future
Coming at a subsequent time or stage;
The future president entered college at the age of 16
Awaiting future actions on the bill
Later developments
Without ulterior argument
Future
(of elected officers) elected but not yet serving;
Our next president
Future
A verb tense or other formation referring to events or states that have not yet happened;
Future auxiliary
Common Curiosities
What is the difference between future and fate?
The future refers to events that have not yet occurred and can be influenced by decisions, while fate is seen as a fixed, predetermined course of events.
How can understanding the future help us?
Understanding potential future outcomes can guide present actions and planning, influencing better decision-making.
Is the concept of fate universally accepted?
No, the belief in fate and its role in human lives varies across cultures and individual philosophies.
Can one change their fate?
In many philosophical and spiritual perspectives, fate is considered unchangeable; however, beliefs vary widely.
How do free will and fate interact?
This is a central question in many philosophical debates; some argue that free will allows us to shape our lives, while others believe that events are preordained and inevitable.
What role does fate play in literature?
Fate is a common theme in literature, often driving the inevitability of the plot and character destinies.
Can technology predict the future?
While technology can forecast likely scenarios based on data, predicting the future precisely remains impossible.
How does believing in fate affect people's lives?
Believing in fate can lead to a sense of resignation or comfort, depending on one's perspective on predestination.
Why do people fear the future?
People may fear the future due to uncertainties, potential for negative outcomes, or lack of control over what will happen.
What is the philosophical debate about future and fate?
Philosophers debate whether the future is open and can be shaped by human actions or if it is predetermined by fate.
What is the difference between destiny and fate?
Destiny is often seen as a path leading to a predetermined future, somewhat influenced by actions, whereas fate is more strictly seen as fixed and inevitable.
Can the future be completely controlled?
While the future cannot be completely controlled, proactive planning and decision-making can significantly influence outcomes.
How can we plan for the future effectively?
Effective planning for the future involves setting realistic goals, assessing potential risks and opportunities, and staying flexible to adapt to changes.
How do different religions view fate?
Different religions have varying doctrines about fate, from strict predestination to more open interpretations involving human agency.
Is the concept of fate beneficial or harmful?
This depends on individual beliefs; fate can be comforting as it provides a sense of order and purpose, or limiting if it discourages personal effort.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
