The spelling of the word "fatalist" is not difficult, once understood its phonetics. It is pronounced as /ˈfeɪtəlɪst/ with stress on the second syllable. The first syllable is pronounced as "fate" with a long "a" sound. The second syllable is pronounced like "al" with the stress on it. The suffix -ist is pronounced as "ist" with an "i" sound. With this understanding, it's easy to remember and spell the word "fatalist." This word refers to someone who believes that events are predetermined and cannot be changed.
A fatalist refers to an individual who adheres to the belief that all events, including human actions and outcomes, are predetermined and inevitable, typically governed by external factors such as fate or destiny. The term "fatalist" can also describe someone who passively accepts and resigns themselves to the idea that they have no control over their circumstances.
Rooted in the philosophical concept of determinism, fatalism posits that everything that occurs in the world is predetermined and cannot be altered or avoided. Fatalists view life as a predestined journey, where humans are powerless to change the course of events. They believe that their actions are predetermined, rendering free will and personal agency irrelevant.
The fatalistic perspective often leads to a sense of resignation and indifference towards one's own actions or efforts to shape their future. Instead, fatalists tend to adopt a passive approach, accepting whatever comes their way as inevitable and beyond their control. This outlook can generate a sense of equilibrium in the face of adversity, as fatalists choose to surrender to an inexorable fate rather than fight against it.
While fatalism may provide consolation or comfort to some, it can also be seen as a pessimistic philosophy, undermining the concepts of personal responsibility and the potential for individual agency. Critics argue that fatalism dismisses the influence of choice and human intervention in shaping one's destiny, thus discouraging proactive actions or attempts to better one's circumstances.
One who maintains that all things happen by inevitable necessity.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "fatalist" derives from the French word "fataliste", which in turn comes from the Latin word "fatum" meaning "fate, destiny". The suffix "-ist" is used to denote a person who follows or believes in a certain doctrine or philosophy, hence a "fatalist" is someone who adheres to the belief that events are predetermined and unavoidable.