resign to fate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "resign to fate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing acceptance of circumstances that are beyond one's control. Example: "After many attempts to change the situation, she decided to resign to fate and accept what was meant to be."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With cicadas buzzing in the summer heat, Du Liniang twirls the long sleeves of her floor-length silk gown, and, with her lover, turns to the audience (whose members rely on insect repellant) and sings her final lines: Toward this plum tree by the lawn, if I were free to pick my bloom or grass; if I were to choose to live or die; I would resign to fate without a sigh.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are resigned to fate, unfailingly responding to events with their catchphrase "So it goes".

Encyclopedia Britannica

As most of the blindfolds slipped off — inexplicably, unless they were ringers, a few left them on throughout the show — Camille Mutel and Litsa Kiousi inhabited the foggy landscape like agitated sex workers anxious for salvation yet resigned to fate.

The New York Times - Arts

Max Eberl is resigned to his fate.

Independent

"O.K.," he said, resigned to his fate.

The New York Times - Tech

He appeared perfectly resigned to his fate.

The Guardian

Those who cannot are waiting, resigned to their fate.

The Economist

His expression signaled he was resigned to this fate.

The New York Times

For her part, Ms. Voigt seems resigned to her fate.

The New York Times

Popov and Hayashi seemed resigned to their fate.

The New York Times - Sports

Resigned to her fate, she took a mouthful.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "resign to fate" when you want to express a calm or reluctant acceptance of something unavoidable, particularly when other options have been exhausted.

Common error

Avoid using "resign to fate" when active intervention or resistance is still possible or desirable, as it implies a passive acceptance that may not be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "resign to fate" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating an action (resigning) taken in relation to a noun (fate). The Ludwig examples show its use in describing acceptance of an unavoidable outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

12%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "resign to fate" is a grammatically correct and understandable idiom that expresses an acceptance of an unavoidable situation. While not very common, it appears primarily in news and media, with a neutral register. Alternatives exist, like "accept one's destiny", offering slightly different nuances. Ludwig's examples and analysis show its consistent use in conveying a passive acceptance of external forces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Accept one's destiny

Focuses on the idea of accepting a predetermined course of life.

Submit to the inevitable

Emphasizes the unavoidable nature of the situation being accepted.

Yield to fate

Implies a giving-in or surrendering to the power of destiny.

Embrace one's fate

Suggests a more positive and active acceptance of destiny.

Bow to destiny

Conveys a sense of reverence or respect for the power of fate.

Take what comes

Focuses on accepting whatever happens without resistance.

Let go and let God

Implies surrendering control to a higher power.

Come what may

Indicates an acceptance of whatever the future holds, regardless of its nature.

Accept the outcome

Simple acceptance of the result, good or bad.

Make peace with destiny

Indicates finding a sense of calm or resolution regarding one's fate.

FAQs

How can I use "resign to fate" in a sentence?

You can use "resign to fate" to express acceptance of an unavoidable situation, as in "After failing to secure funding, the project team had to "resign to fate" and shut down the operation".

What does it mean to "resign to fate"?

To "resign to fate" means to accept a situation or outcome that is perceived as inevitable or unchangeable, often with a sense of passive acceptance or resignation.

Which is more appropriate, "resign to fate" or "fight fate"?

Whether to "resign to fate" or "fight fate" depends on the context. If the situation is truly unavoidable, "resigning to fate" may be the most pragmatic approach. However, if there's a possibility of changing the outcome, "fighting fate" or resisting the perceived destiny might be more suitable.

What are some other ways to say "resign to fate"?

Alternatives include "accept one's destiny", "submit to the inevitable", or "yield to fate", each with slight differences in emphasis.