Kismet is a common English word of Arabic origin that means fate or destiny. Its pronunciation is /ˈkɪzmɛt/ with stress on the first syllable. The first sound is the voiceless velar plosive /k/, followed by the short vowel /ɪ/. The second syllable has the voiced alveolar nasal consonant /n/ and the unvoiced alveolar fricative /s/ sound. The last syllable has the short vowel /ɛ/ followed by the voiceless alveolar plosive /t/. The word is often used to describe events that seem to have been destined to happen.
Kismet is a noun that refers to fate, destiny, or the predetermined course of events in a person's life. The term originated from Turkish and Arabic, and it is often associated with the concept of predestination in Islamic theology.
In popular usage, kismet describes the idea that events occur according to a predetermined plan or divine intervention, which may be positive or negative. It implies that certain events or outcomes are inevitable and were meant to happen, regardless of one's individual will or actions.
Kismet is often used to explain unexpected coincidences or serendipitous situations, emphasizing the belief that these occurrences are not random but rather part of a grand scheme or cosmic order. It conveys the notion that there is a larger force at play, guiding and shaping the events in one's life.
Moreover, kismet can also symbolize the acceptance of one's fate or resignation to what is considered an inescapable outcome. It implies a sense of surrender to the inevitable, acknowledging that certain outcomes are beyond human control.
This concept has found its way into literature, poetry, and various cultural expressions, highlighting the mystical and philosophical aspects of life's journey. Kismet is a term that encompasses the idea of a higher power or plan governing existence and accentuating the interconnectedness of events and the unfolding of one's life path.
The word "kismet" originates from Turkish, but its etymology can be traced back to Arabic. In Arabic, the word "qismah" (قسمة) means "portion" or "lot". This word was borrowed into Turkish as "kısmet", meaning "fate" or "destiny". Over time, "kısmet" made its way into English as "kismet" and came to refer to the belief that fate or destiny controls the course of events in one's life.