fateful
UK: ˈfeɪtf(ə)l | US: ˈfeɪtf(ə)l
adj. having important consequences; decisive
adj. controlled by or as if by fate; destined
adj. ominous or prophetic
The word "fateful" combines "fate," derived from Latin fatum (meaning "that which has been spoken," referring to destiny or divine will), with the suffix "-ful," from Old English -full ("full of"). The suffix transforms the noun into an adjective, implying "full of fate" or "determined by fate." Over time, "fateful" evolved to describe events with significant, often inevitable consequences, blending the ideas of destiny and impact.
The general made a fateful decision that changed the course of the war.
Their meeting on that rainy night was a fateful encounter.
The scientist’s discovery proved fateful for modern medicine.
His fateful words echoed in her mind for years.
The treaty marked a fateful moment in the nation’s history.