Fatalism

/ˈfeɪ.təl.ɪz.əm/ noun

Definition

The belief that all events are already decided by fate or destiny and that humans have no power to change what will happen.

Etymology

From 'fatal' (related to fate) combined with the philosophy suffix '-ism'. The term comes from Latin 'fatalis' meaning destined by fate, and became a formal philosophical doctrine in the 16th-17th centuries.

Kelly Says

Fatalism is philosophically wild because it creates a paradox: if everything is fated, are your beliefs about fatalism also fated? And if so, does it matter that you believe it? The philosophy basically argues itself into a logical corner.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.