Definition

A person who believes that events are predetermined and cannot be changed, often thinking that fate controls everything.

Example

As a fatalist, she believed that her future was already decided and that her choices did not matter.

Conversation

I was reading about different philosophies, and I came across the idea of a fatalist.

Oh really? What does that mean exactly?

A fatalist believes that everything happens for a reason and is predetermined.

That’s interesting! I wonder how that affects their view on life choices.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Fatalist → It is formed from "fatal" (from Latin "fatalis", meaning destined to happen or fated) and "-ist" (meaning one who practices or is concerned with). A fatalist is someone who believes that events are predetermined and inevitable.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who believes that events are 'destined' ('fatal') to happen, and the '-ist' indicates a person who holds that belief.

Visually Confused Words