Here's a breakdown of its etymology:
* Proto-Indo-European: The root word is believed to be "swe-," meaning "to swell" or "to grow." This concept likely extended to ideas of "destiny" or "what is destined to happen."
* Latin: The word "fate" comes from the Latin "fatum," which was used to describe a "statement of destiny," often made by a deity.
* Old French: The word "fate" entered English through Old French, where it was "fat," meaning "destiny" or "what is destined to happen."
Interestingly: The original meaning of "swell" or "grow" suggests an earlier understanding of fate as a force that shapes events, rather than a predetermined path. This aligns with the idea of "destiny" as something that is constantly evolving and unfolding, not a fixed, predetermined outcome.
So, while "fate" is often associated with an unchangeable, predetermined destiny, its origins hint at a more dynamic and evolving concept of what is to come.