Etymology Map
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Destiny

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means events that will happen to someone in the future

Where does the word "destiny" come from? It comes from Latin destinare, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
destinare
Latin · ancient
"to make firm, determine"
related to 'stare', to stand
2
Stage 2 of 3
destinee
Old French · medieval
"fate"
what is determined
3
Stage 3 of 3
destiny
English · 1300s
"fate"
'destination' shares the root
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Read the full story

Destiny’s story begins in Latin: destinare meant “to make firm, determine.” Related to 'stare', to stand. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as destinee. What is determined. It reached English by 1300s as destiny. 'destination' shares the root. Today, destiny means events that will happen to someone in the future.