What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
destiny
Example
It was his destiny to become a great leader. [destiny: noun]
Example
She believed that her destiny was to help others. [destiny: noun]
fortune
Example
He inherited a large fortune from his grandfather. [fortune: noun]
Example
She had the good fortune to meet her future husband on a trip abroad. [fortune: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fortune is more commonly used than destiny in everyday language, especially in the context of financial status or luck. Destiny is less common and tends to be used in more philosophical or spiritual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between destiny and fortune?
Both destiny and fortune can be used in formal and informal contexts, but destiny may have a more serious and weighty connotation, making it more appropriate for formal settings.