Fate vs. Luck — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 20, 2023
Fate refers to the predetermined course of events, while Luck is the chance occurrence of good or bad events in one's life.
Difference Between Fate and Luck
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fate and Luck, though often used interchangeably, possess distinct nuances in their meanings. Fate speaks to the idea that events are preordained or destined to happen, suggesting a grand design or plan governing occurrences. On the other hand, Luck relates to fortuitous events, both good and bad, that happen by chance without any predetermined design.
When considering personal life paths, Fate might be invoked to explain why certain events, relationships, or challenges were bound to happen. These are seen as integral parts of one's destiny. Luck, conversely, refers to those unexpected moments, be they fortunate or unfortunate, that seem to pop up without any discernible reason or pattern.
In literature, characters might be portrayed as fated to meet, suggesting an inevitability to their relationship. This differs from characters who, by sheer luck, find themselves in unexpected situations or stumble upon valuable items or information.
Cultures and philosophies around the world have different interpretations of Fate and Luck. Some believe in a predetermined fate governed by deities or cosmic forces, while others see life as a series of random events where luck plays a significant role.
Both Fate and Luck contribute to the rich tapestry of human experience and understanding. While Fate often conveys a sense of purpose and destiny, Luck adds an element of unpredictability and chance to our narratives.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
The predetermined course of events.
Chance occurrence of events, good or bad.
In Literature
Often refers to preordained paths or destinies.
Often describes serendipitous or random events.
Control
Generally seen as beyond human control.
Events that can sometimes be influenced by choices, but largely random.
Duration
Fate often suggests long-term or lifelong implications.
Luck can be momentary or fleeting.
Philosophical View
Associated with destiny, the idea that events are meant to be.
Associated with randomness and unpredictability.
Compare with Definitions
Fate
Fate means the predetermined course of events.
It was his fate to lead the nation during a crisis.
Luck
Luck means the chance occurrence of events.
With sheer luck, he found a $100 bill on the street.
Fate
Fate refers to an appointed end or conclusion.
The fate of the ancient city was to be buried in time.
Luck
Luck implies unpredictability.
By some strange luck, he missed the train that later derailed.
Fate
Fate signifies an inevitable outcome.
Their love story was written in the stars, a true fate.
Luck
Luck can signify a fortunate stroke.
Winning the lottery was a stroke of incredible luck.
Fate
Fate implies events are beyond human control.
No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't escape his fate.
Luck
Luck denotes fortuitous or random happenings.
She had the luck of stumbling upon a rare artifact.
Fate
The supposed force, principle, or power that predetermines events
Fate did not favor his career.
Luck
Luck is the phenomenon and belief that defines the experience of notably positive, negative, or improbable events. The naturalistic interpretation is that positive and negative events may happen all the time, both due to random and non-random natural and artificial processes, and that even improbable events can happen by random chance.
Fate
The inevitable events predestined by this force
It was her fate to marry a lout.
Luck
Success or failure apparently brought by chance rather than through one's own actions
They're supposed to bring good luck
It was just luck that the first kick went in
Fate
A final result or consequence; an outcome
What was the fate of your project?.
Luck
Chance to find or acquire
He lucked into a disc-jockey job
Fate
An unfavorable outcome in life; doom or death
Suffered a fate worse than death.
The island where the explorer met his fate.
Luck
The chance happening of fortunate or adverse events; fortune
They met one day out of pure luck.
Fate
Fates Greek & Roman Mythology The three goddesses, Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos, who control human destiny. Used with the.
Luck
Good fortune or prosperity; success
We wish you luck.
Fate
The presumed cause, force, principle, or divine will that predetermines events.
Luck
One's personal fate or lot
It was just my luck to win a trip I couldn't take.
Fate
The effect, consequence, outcome, or inevitable events predetermined by this cause.
Luck
To gain success or something desirable by chance
Lucked into a good apartment.
Lucked out in finding that rare book.
Fate
An event or a situation which is inevitable in the fullness of time.
Luck
Something that happens to someone by chance, a chance occurrence, especially a favourable one.
The raffle is just a matter of luck.
Sometimes it takes a bit of luck to get success.
I couldn't believe my luck when I found a fifty dollar bill on the street.
Gilbert had some bad luck yesterday — he got pick-pocketed and lost fifty dollars.
Fate
Destiny; often with a connotation of death, ruin, misfortune, etc.
Accept your fate.
Luck
A superstitious feeling that brings fortune or success.
He blew on the dice for luck.
I wish you lots of luck for the exam tomorrow.
Fate
(mythology) Fate (one of the goddesses said to control the destiny of human beings).
Luck
Success.
I tried for ages to find a pair of blue suede shoes, but didn't have any luck.
He has a lot of luck with the ladies, perhaps it is because of his new motorbike.
Fate
(biochemistry) The products of a chemical reaction in their final form in the biosphere.
Luck
The results of a random number generator.
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
Luck
To find something through good fortune; used with into, on, onto or upon.
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.
Luck
That which happens to a person; an event, good or ill, affecting one's interests or happiness, and which is deemed casual; a course or series of such events regarded as occurring by chance; chance; hap; fate; fortune; often, one's habitual or characteristic fortune; as, good, bad, ill, or hard luck. Luck is often used by itself to mean good luck; as, luck is better than skill; a stroke of luck.
If thou dost play with him at any game,Thou art sure to lose; and of that natural luck,He beats thee 'gainst the odds.
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.
Luck
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
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.
Luck
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another;
Bad luck caused his downfall
We ran into each other by pure chance
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.
Luck
An unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that leads to a favorable outcome;
It was my good luck to be there
They say luck is a lady
It was as if fortune guided his hand
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.
Luck
Luck can refer to fate, especially when favorable.
As luck would have it, she met her old friend in a foreign country.
Fate
An event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
Fate
The ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events (often personified as a woman);
We are helpless in the face of Destiny
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
Fate denotes destiny or a fixed future outcome.
The prophecy declared her fate as the kingdom's savior.
Common Curiosities
How is Fate commonly depicted in literature?
In literature, Fate often appears as a preordained destiny or course of events characters cannot escape.
Can someone change their Fate?
In many beliefs, Fate is seen as unchangeable, while others believe in the power to alter destiny through choices.
Does Luck always mean good fortune?
No, Luck can refer to both good and bad unexpected events.
Are Fate and Luck the same?
No, while both relate to events in life, Fate suggests predetermination, while Luck implies chance occurrences.
Can someone be both fated and lucky?
Yes, an individual could believe they are fated to experience certain events and also experience random luck.
Is believing in Fate or Luck cultural?
Many cultures have unique beliefs about Fate and Luck, influenced by religion, folklore, and philosophy.
Can good Luck turn into bad, and vice versa?
Absolutely, what initially seems like good luck might lead to challenges, and apparent bad luck might lead to positive outcomes.
Can Fate be positive or negative?
Fate can be seen as either, depending on the context and individual perspective.
How do Fate and Luck relate to choice and free will?
While Fate suggests events are preordained, Luck implies chance, both of which can interact with human choice and free will.
Is Luck purely random?
Generally, Luck is considered random, though some believe certain actions or charms can influence it.
Are there specific symbols associated with Luck?
Yes, symbols like four-leaf clovers, horseshoes, and rabbit's feet are often associated with luck in various cultures.
Do all religions or philosophies believe in predetermined Fate?
No, beliefs about Fate vary, with some emphasizing free will and others predestination.
Is it common to carry charms for Luck?
In many cultures, people carry charms or talismans believed to bring good luck.
Can one's actions impact their Luck?
Some believe actions or attitudes, like optimism, can influence one's luck, while others see it as purely random.
Is Luck always out of our control?
While Luck denotes chance, some believe certain behaviors or attitudes can influence its outcome.
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Written 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.
