Fate vs. Coincidence — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 13, 2023
Fate is a predetermined and inevitable events in one’s life. Coincidence is a random occurrences of events that seem related but aren’t causally connected.
Difference Between Fate and Coincidence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fate represents a concept that events and outcomes are predetermined and destined to occur, connecting incidents and experiences to an inevitable outcome. Coincidence, on the other hand, denotes an occurrence of two or more events at one time apparently by mere chance, with no underlying intent or connection between them. Fate carries an implication of a destined path or a predetermined future, typically attributing events to destiny or cosmic design, while coincidences lack such purposeful connotations.
Understanding Fate often leans into the belief that there's a greater power or mechanism working behind the scenes, aligning events and outcomes in a specific, purposeful way. Coincidence adheres to a more scientific or mathematical explanation, attributing simultaneous or sequential occurrences to chance, without asserting a higher order or design behind them. Fate often suggests a philosophical perspective, involving destined events or outcomes, whereas coincidence is devoid of such meaningful connectivity.
Fate can frequently be linked with religious or spiritual beliefs, associating events and outcomes with divine will or predetermined destiny. Coincidence, however, aligns more closely with skepticism or a secular worldview, recognizing that simultaneous happenings might not necessarily possess deeper meanings or connections. When observing fate, there’s a tacit acceptance or belief in the unseen, whereas coincidence does not require belief in any unseen orchestrations or powers.
Discussions around Fate often involve elements of prophecy, fortune, and destiny, exploring the deeper meanings behind why things happen the way they do. Coincidence tends to circumvent these mystical elements, often inserting the variables of probability and randomness into the explanation of events. Therefore, fate alludes to a narrative that’s been prewritten, while coincidence does not intimate any overarching narrative or design.
When people refer to Fate, there is generally an acceptance of events as they are, attributing occurrences to a larger, uncontrollable scheme. Coincidence, however, does not impose meaning upon the event and simply acknowledges it without seeking or attributing any particular higher significance or design. Fate might be perceived as a guiding force, while coincidence is perceived merely as an observation of random occurrences.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Predetermined and inevitable events
Random, non-causal simultaneous or sequential events
Underlying belief
Often involves belief in destiny or higher power
Typically rejects the concept of a governing power
Attribution of meaning
Attributes deeper, intentional meaning to events
Does not impose intentional meaning on events
Relation to spirituality
Often connected with spiritual/religious beliefs
Generally secular or skeptical in nature
Perspective on control
Generally accepts events as destined
Views events as random and not controlled
Compare with Definitions
Fate
The development of events beyond a person's control.
Some believe that destiny or Fate plays a role in life’s journey.
Coincidence
The act or condition of coinciding.
The Coincidence of the two events was uncanny.
Fate
A destined outcome forming an inevitable sequence.
His Fate was sealed when the decision was made.
Coincidence
An instance of simultaneous or sequential occurrence.
Their birthdays sharing a date was a Coincidence.
Fate
The supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events
Fate did not favor his career.
Coincidence
A remarkable concurrence of events without connection.
Meeting here was a total Coincidence.
Fate
The inevitable events predestined by this force
It was her fate to marry a lout.
Coincidence
A random occurrence of relatable incidents.
The Coincidence left them puzzled and amused.
Fate
A final result or consequence; an outcome
What was the fate of your project?.
Coincidence
A coincidence is a remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances that have no apparent causal connection with one another. The perception of remarkable coincidences may lead to supernatural, occult, or paranormal claims.
Fate
An unfavorable outcome in life; doom or death
Suffered a fate worse than death.
The island where the explorer met his fate.
Coincidence
A remarkable concurrence of events or circumstances without apparent causal connection
They met by coincidence
It was a coincidence that she was wearing a jersey like Laura's
Fate
Fates Greek & Roman Mythology The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who control human destiny. Used with the.
Coincidence
The fact of corresponding in nature or in time of occurrence
The coincidence of interest between the mining companies and certain politicians
Fate
The presumed cause, force, principle, or divine will that predetermines events.
Coincidence
The presence of ionizing particles or other objects in two or more detectors simultaneously, or of two or more signals simultaneously in a circuit.
Fate
The effect, consequence, outcome, or inevitable events predetermined by this cause.
Coincidence
The state or fact of occupying the same relative position or area in space.
Fate
An event or a situation which is inevitable in the fullness of time.
Coincidence
A sequence of events that although accidental seems to have been planned or arranged.
Fate
Destiny; often with a connotation of death, ruin, misfortune, etc.
Accept your fate.
Coincidence
Of objects, the property of being coincident; occurring at the same time or place.
Fate
(mythology) Fate (one of the goddesses said to control the destiny of human beings).
Coincidence
Of events, the appearance of a meaningful connection when there is none.
That the two writers were born and died on the same day is just a coincidence, although there are many conspiracy theories about it.
Fate
(biochemistry) The products of a chemical reaction in their final form in the biosphere.
Coincidence
(analysis) A coincidence point.
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
Coincidence
(geometry) A fixed point of a correspondence; a point of a variety corresponding to itself under a correspondence.
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.
Coincidence
The condition of occupying the same place in space; as, the coincidence of circles, surfaces, etc.
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.
Coincidence
The condition or fact of happening at the same time; as, the coincidence of the deaths of John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.
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.
Coincidence
Exact correspondence in nature, character, result, circumstances, etc.; concurrence; agreement.
The very concurrence and coincidence of so many evidences . . . carries a great weight.
Those who discourse . . . of the nature of truth . . . affirm a perfect coincidence between truth and goodness.
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.
Coincidence
An event that might have been arranged although it was really accidental
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.
Coincidence
The quality of occupying the same position or area in space;
He waited for the coincidence of the target and the cross hairs
Fate
An event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
Coincidence
The temporal property of two things happening at the same time;
The interval determining the coincidence gate is adjustable
Fate
The ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events (often personified as a woman);
We are helpless in the face of Destiny
Coincidence
An event that might have been arranged but wasn’t.
Their meeting in the café was merely a Coincidence.
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
Fate
Decree or designate beforehand;
She was destined to become a great pianist
Fate
An ultimate agency dictating certain events.
Fate led them to meet again after many years.
Fate
An inevitable and often adverse outcome.
The tragedy was a cruel twist of Fate.
Fate
A prophetic declaration of what must be.
The oracle revealed his Fate to be intertwined with the conflict.
Common Curiosities
Is Coincidence always positive?
No, a Coincidence can be positive, negative, or neutral as it denotes random occurrence without intent.
Does Fate imply a lack of control?
Yes, Fate often suggests events are preordained and out of individual control.
How does Fate relate to destiny?
Fate is often considered synonymous with destiny, implying a predetermined future.
Is Coincidence related to luck?
Yes, a Coincidence can sometimes be perceived as good or bad luck, without implying intent.
Is Fate dependent on actions?
Different beliefs exist; some think Fate is fixed, while others believe actions influence it.
Can a Coincidence be planned?
No, Coincidence by definition implies a lack of planning and intent.
Can Fate be altered?
Views on Fate vary; some believe it’s immutable, while others think it can be changed.
Are there scientific explanations for Coincidence?
Yes, Coincidence can often be explained through probability and statistical likelihood.
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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.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
