fatalist

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fatalist" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who believes that events are predetermined and that human actions cannot change the outcome. Example: "As a fatalist, she often shrugged off her failures, believing that everything was meant to happen as it did."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Or give a fatalist shrug and allow themselves to ripen, like brie, into middle age?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I am one of those people who finds it a hilarious, endearing and unlikely quirk of the universe that the Woody Allen persona – intellectual, obsessive, neurotic, fatalist and lifelong urbanite – is as firmly fixed in the comedy universe as the characters of Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton or Jacques Tati. .

BBC

James was a fatalist.

The Economist

But Hamlet, in a comment on the nature of hamartia, is a fatalist when he broods on the "mole of nature," the "one defect" that some men are born with, "wherein they are not guilty," and that brings them to disaster (Act I, scene 4).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Following unsuccessful attempts to shoot him, to derail his train, and finally to blow up the Winter Palace in St . Petersburgitself, Alexander, who under personal attack had shown unflinching courage based on a fatalist philosophy, entrusted supreme power to a temporary dictator.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Jacques the Fatalist captures the fluidity of a disconcerting universe where nothing is ever clear-cut or under control, where history, in the form of choices already made by others, determines any individual's fate, and yet free will and responsibility are among the highest human values.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But he was also a fatalist, resigned to the fact that the world was against him.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That is an all-too-common sentiment, a kind of fatalist view of America's place in the modern global economy.

Independent

But rather than undermining the "rounded adolescence" by instilling a craving for vengeance or a sense of self-pity, the tragedy has made Kielty even more grounded by turning him into a fatalist and allowing him to put his show-business career into perspective.

Independent

Even so, as a realist and a fatalist he realises that his present BBC profile will not last for ever, and that some day he will go the way of such former small-screen stars as Mike Smith and Noel Edmonds.

Independent

Somehow, the years of research made him not a chipper health nut but a melancholy fatalist, all too aware that every day brings with it a new dose of poison for his beleaguered body.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or person, use "fatalist" to succinctly convey their belief that events are predetermined and unchangeable. This adds depth to character development and provides insight into their motivations and reactions.

Common error

Avoid using "fatalist" to justify inaction or lack of effort. While a "fatalist" may believe in predetermined outcomes, it does not necessarily mean they are passive. Ensure the context clarifies whether the character's actions are a result of their beliefs or other factors.

Linguistic Context

The word "fatalist" functions primarily as a noun, designating a person who adheres to the philosophical doctrine of fatalism. It identifies an individual characterized by the belief that all events are predetermined and inevitable. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is usable in written English and follows standard grammar rules.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fatalist" is a noun used to describe someone who believes in fatalism, the philosophical doctrine that all events are predetermined and inevitable. Ludwig AI confirms its correct grammatical usage and high frequency in written English. As indicated by Ludwig, this term appears most frequently in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. When writing, it's important to use "fatalist" accurately to reflect a belief in predetermined outcomes and avoid implying passivity without further context. Alternatives include "determinist", "believer in fate", or ""person with a fatalistic outlook"".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person with a fatalistic outlook

Describes someone with a general perspective that things are predetermined and unavoidable.

believer in fate

Emphasizes the belief aspect of fatalism, focusing on destiny or predetermined events.

determinist

Highlights the philosophical aspect of believing that all events are causally determined.

one who sees events as inevitable

Focuses on the perception of events as unavoidable and predetermined.

one who believes in predestination

Highlights the theological aspect of preordained events, often associated with religious beliefs.

one who accepts fate

Focuses on the acceptance of predetermined outcomes, removing resistance to destiny.

one who embraces destiny

Focuses on a more positive and active acceptance of predetermined events.

resigned person

Stresses the acceptance of situations without attempting to change them.

acceptance of the inevitable

Describes the concept of the person with the philosophy, but not as the person.

defeatist

Implies a pessimistic resignation, often related to expecting negative outcomes.

FAQs

How can I use "fatalist" in a sentence?

You can use "fatalist" to describe someone who believes that events are predetermined and inevitable. For example: "He was such a "fatalist" that he never bothered to apply for promotions, believing his career path was already set."

What's the difference between a "fatalist" and a pessimist?

A "fatalist" believes that events are predetermined and unchangeable, while a pessimist generally expects negative outcomes. While there may be overlap, a "fatalist's" belief is rooted in determinism, whereas a pessimist's outlook is based on anticipating negative results. You can find more semantically similar alternatives "defeatist".

Are there synonyms for "fatalist" that I can use?

Yes, you can use words like "determinist", "believer in fate", or "one who accepts fate" as alternatives, depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Another alternative is "person with a fatalistic outlook".

Is it appropriate to describe someone as a "fatalist"?

Yes, it is appropriate as long as it accurately reflects their beliefs and perspective. Be mindful of the context and ensure that the term is used respectfully and without judgment. It may be useful to consider using more nuanced terms like "resigned person" if you are not fully sure.