ENGLISH
REFERENCE

fates

n. plural-only
C2 Proficiency US //ˈfeɪts// UK //fˈeɪts// fates Archaic

n. the three goddesses in ancient stories who decide everything that happens in a person's life. People often mention them when talking about things that seem meant to be or impossible to change.

n. the three goddesses of destiny in Greek and Roman mythology who control the thread of human life. Often used as a personification of an agency that determines outcomes independently of human will.


SIMPLE

The fates decided that the two long-lost friends would meet again.

CONTEXTUAL

In many classical tragedies, the hero struggles against what the fates have already decreed for his future.

COMPLEX

The poet suggests that while we may choose our path, the fates ultimately weave the final pattern of our existence, indifferent to our individual desires or protests.

Synonyms
Origin

Plural of fate.

Usage

Always used in the plural form and takes a plural verb; typically capitalized when referring specifically to the mythological figures.

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