fatalist
Meaning: A person who believes that all events are predetermined and therefore inevitable, and that human effort cannot alter the course of destiny.
Fatalist implies passive acceptance of whatever happens, distinguishing it from pessimist (who expects the worst but may try to prevent it). In everyday use, it often describes someone who shrugs at misfortune rather than fighting it. The philosophical doctrine of fatalism differs from determinism in denying that causes matter — events simply are fated. British writers sometimes use it with grudging admiration for stoic resignation.
Examples
- He was a fatalist who accepted redundancy with a philosophical shrug and a pint. 他是一个宿命论者,以一声淡然的叹息和一杯啤酒接受了被裁员的命运。Era un fatalista que aceptó el despido con un encogimiento filosófico de hombros y una pinta de cerveza.彼は宿命論者で、達観した肩すくめとビール一杯で解雇を受け入れた。그는 숙명론자로서, 달관한 듯 어깨를 으쓱하고 맥주 한 잔으로 정리해고를 받아들였다.
- The general's fatalist approach to casualties drew sharp criticism from the war correspondents. 这位将军对待伤亡的宿命论态度遭到了战地记者们的尖锐批评。El enfoque fatalista del general hacia las bajas suscitó duras críticas de los corresponsales de guerra.その将軍の犠牲者に対する宿命論的な態度は、従軍記者たちから厳しい批判を浴びた。그 장군의 사상자에 대한 숙명론적 태도는 종군 기자들로부터 날카로운 비판을 받았다.
- There is a strain of fatalism in British culture that treats complaining as pointless and resignation as a virtue. 英国文化中有一种宿命论的倾向,认为抱怨毫无意义,而顺从是一种美德。Existe una vena de fatalismo en la cultura británica que considera inútil quejarse y virtuosa la resignación.英国文化には、不平を言うのは無意味で諦めが美徳だとする宿命論的な傾向がある。영국 문화에는 불평이 무의미하고 체념이 미덕이라 여기는 숙명론적 경향이 있다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: general, academic
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Latin fatalis (ordained by fate), from fatum (that which has been spoken, destiny), from fari (to speak). Entered English in the 17th century, with the personal noun 'fatalist' appearing in the 18th.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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