What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
fatalism
Example
He had a fatalistic attitude towards life, believing that everything was predetermined. [fatalistic: adjective]
Example
She resigned herself to her fate, adopting a fatalistic outlook on life. [fatalistic: noun]
predeterminism
Example
The philosopher argued for the concept of predeterminism, stating that all events were predetermined. [predeterminism: noun]
Example
She believed in predeterminism, feeling that her life was already mapped out for her. [predeterminism: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fatalism is more commonly used in everyday language to describe a resigned or defeatist attitude, while predeterminism is a more specialized philosophical concept.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between fatalism and predeterminism?
Predeterminism is a more formal term than fatalism, as it is a philosophical concept that is typically discussed in academic or intellectual contexts.