kismet

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kismet" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to fate or destiny, often in a context where events seem to be predetermined or meant to happen. Example: "Meeting her again after all those years felt like kismet; it was as if the universe had conspired to bring us together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Other successes followed, notably "Kismet" which at one cinema ran for three years.

The Economist

I didn't become a writer just so that I could be in a room with these guys once more, but it was kismet that I was there to ask them questions about the songs of my adolescence.

The New Yorker

There is some dispute as to whether the meeting was the kismet that Sedgwick claimed.

The New Yorker

All in all, I would a say the venture is kismet.

The New Yorker

The Internet subverts Kismet.

The New Yorker

"I don't believe in fate or destiny, but I did feel a strange sense of kismet, which was probably more of just the right place at the right time.

The New York Times - Magazine

Finally, in a moment of kismet, an offhand remark changed her life.

The New York Times - Sports

Sudden converts to kismet, the religion of all gamblers, they went straight to the slot machines.

The New York Times - Sports

"There was a little bit of kismet," he added, "that the call for a re-evaluation of the waterfront happened at this moment".

The New York Times

A night at the CMJ Music Marathon often begins with purpose only to devolve into a blend of kismet and inertia.

The New York Times

No detail of the story has been left to chance, though kismet does seem to play a significant role.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kismet" to describe situations where events align unexpectedly and feel destined, enhancing the narrative with a sense of fate.

Common error

Avoid using "kismet" casually in contexts where a more straightforward term like "luck" or "coincidence" suffices; "kismet" carries a stronger implication of predetermined destiny rooted in specific cultural contexts.

Linguistic Context

Kismet functions primarily as a noun, referring to fate or destiny. It's often used to describe events that seem predetermined or unavoidable. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the examples show its usage in contexts implying a sense of preordained events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

Kismet, meaning fate or destiny, is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun, particularly in news and media contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its valid usage to describe seemingly predetermined events. While it carries a neutral to slightly formal tone, it's important to use it appropriately to convey a sense of destiny rather than mere coincidence. Alternatives include "destiny", "fate", and "fortune", each with slightly different connotations. By understanding its proper context and cultural implications, writers can effectively use "kismet" to add depth and significance to their narratives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

destiny

A general term for a predetermined course of events.

fate

Similar to destiny, but often implies a more negative or unavoidable outcome.

preordained

Specifically indicates something was determined in advance.

meant to be

Expresses the belief that events were destined to occur.

fortune

Refers to chance or luck, sometimes implying a positive outcome.

divine intervention

Suggests that a higher power influenced events.

providence

Implies a guiding hand of God or a similar force.

predestination

A theological concept suggesting all events are willed by God.

serendipity

Describes a fortunate accident or a pleasant surprise.

chance encounter

A meeting that happens by accident but has significant implications.

FAQs

How can I use "kismet" in a sentence?

You can use "kismet" to describe events that seem predetermined or destined. For example, "Their meeting felt like "kismet", as if they were meant to be together."

What words are similar to "kismet"?

Similar words include "destiny", "fate", and "fortune". Each carries a slightly different nuance, but all relate to the idea of events beyond one's control.

Is it appropriate to use "kismet" in formal writing?

Yes, "kismet" can be used in formal writing, especially when discussing themes of fate or destiny. However, consider your audience and the specific context to ensure it aligns with the tone.

What's the difference between "kismet" and "coincidence"?

"Kismet" implies a predetermined or destined event, while "coincidence" simply means that two things happened to occur at the same time by chance. "Kismet" carries a stronger sense of fate.