Destiny vs. Lot: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss & Janet White || Updated on May 23, 2024
Destiny refers to a predetermined course of events beyond a person's control, often seen as a guiding force, while lot refers to one's share or portion in life, encompassing luck and circumstances.
Key Differences
Destiny is the concept of a predetermined path or fate that is believed to be unavoidable, shaped by external forces or a higher power. It implies that certain events or outcomes are meant to happen regardless of individual actions. On the other hand, lot refers to one's share, fate, or portion in life, often encompassing both the positive and negative aspects determined by chance, luck, or external circumstances. Lot is typically seen as the situation or conditions in which a person finds themselves, influenced by various factors like social status, family background, or random events.
While destiny often carries a sense of purpose and inevitability tied to a grander plan, lot tends to focus on the practical, everyday aspects of one's life conditions and experiences. Destiny is more about the ultimate direction or end, whereas lot is about the current state or condition.
Destiny can imply a sense of mission or calling that one strives to fulfill, believing that certain events are predestined. Lot, however, implies dealing with what life has handed you, navigating through luck or misfortune. People might see destiny as something to be achieved or realized, while lot is something to be accepted and managed.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Predetermined course of events
One's share or portion in life
Nature
Unavoidable and often seen as guided
Influenced by chance, luck, circumstances
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Implication
Sense of purpose and inevitability
Practical, everyday life conditions
Perspective
Grand plan or mission
Current state or condition
Usage
Implies a calling or fate to fulfill
Implies dealing with life’s given circumstances
Destiny and Lot Definitions
Destiny
Seen as unavoidable.
The prophecy foretold his destiny as a hero.
Lot
One's share or portion in life.
She accepted her lot with grace.
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Destiny
Often seen as guided by a higher power.
Many think their destiny is written in the stars.
Lot
Influenced by luck and circumstances.
His lot was to work hard for everything he had.
Destiny
Implies inevitability.
They met and fell in love, as if it were destiny.
Lot
Includes both positive and negative aspects.
Despite his difficult lot, he remained hopeful.
Destiny
A predetermined course of events.
He believed it was his destiny to become a leader.
Lot
Reflects current conditions.
Her lot improved after she moved to a new city.
Destiny
The inevitable or necessary fate to which a particular person or thing is destined; one's lot.
Lot
Something to be managed or dealt with.
They made the best of their lot in life.
Destiny
A predetermined course of events considered as something beyond human power or control
"Marriage and hanging go by destiny" (Robert Burton).
Lot
A large extent, amount, or number
Is in a lot of trouble.
Has lots of friends.
Destiny
The power or agency thought to predetermine events
Destiny brought them together.
Lot
Used adverbially to mean "to a great degree or extent" or "frequently"
Felt a lot better.
Ran lots faster.
Doesn't go out a whole lot.
Has seen her lots lately.
Destiny
That to which any person or thing is destined; a predetermined state; a condition predestined by the Divine or by human will.
Death is the destiny of all mortal men.
Lot
A number of associated people or things
Placating an angry lot of tenants.
Kids who were a noisy lot.
Destiny
That which is inevitable in the fullness of time.
Lot
Miscellaneous articles sold as one unit
A lot of stamps sold at an auction.
Destiny
One's eventual fate (not necessarily inevitable or predestined).
Lot
An individual of a particular kind or type
That dog is a contented lot.
Destiny
The fixed order of things; invincible necessity; an irresistible power or agency conceived of as determining the future, whether in general or of an individual.
Dara doesn't believe in using dating apps - she insists that destiny will find her other half.
Lot
A piece of land having specific boundaries, especially one constituting a part of a city, town, or block.
Destiny
That to which any person or thing is destined; predetermined state; condition foreordained by the Divine or by human will; fate; lot; doom.
Thither heWill come to know his destiny.
No man of woman born,Coward or brave, can shun his destiny.
Lot
A piece of land used for a given purpose
A parking lot.
Destiny
The fixed order of things; invincible necessity; fate; a resistless power or agency conceived of as determining the future, whether in general or of an individual.
But who can turn the stream of destiny?
Fame comes only when deserved, and then is as inevitable as destiny, for it is destiny.
Marked by the Destinies to be avoided.
Lot
The complete grounds of a film studio.
Destiny
An event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future
Lot
The outdoor area of a film studio.
Destiny
The ultimate agency that predetermines the course of events (often personified as a woman);
We are helpless in the face of Destiny
Lot
An object used in making a determination or choice at random
Casting lots to see who will go first.
Destiny
Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);
Whatever my fortune may be
Deserved a better fate
Has a happy lot
The luck of the Irish
A victim of circumstances
Success that was her portion
Lot
The use of objects in making a determination or choice at random
Chosen by lot.
Destiny
Sense of purpose or mission.
She felt destined to help others.
Lot
The determination or choice so made
The lot fell on the widow's only son.
Lot
One's fortune in life; one's fate
It was her lot to struggle for years in obscurity.
Lot
To apportion by lots; allot.
Lot
To divide (land) into lots.
Lot
To divide (goods) into lots for sale.
Lot
A large quantity or number; a great deal.
To spend a lot of money
Lots of people think so
Lot
A separate portion; a number of things taken collectively.
A lot of stationery
Lot
One or more items auctioned or sold as a unit, separate from other items.
Lot
(informal) A number of people taken collectively.
A sorry lot
A bad lot
Lot
A distinct portion or plot of land, usually smaller than a field.
A building lot in a city
Lot
That which happens without human design or forethought.
Lot
Anything (as a die, pebble, ball, or slip of paper) used in determining a question by chance, or without human choice or will.
To cast lots
To draw lots
Lot
The part, or fate, that falls to one, as it were, by chance, or without one's planning.
Lot
A prize in a lottery.
Lot
Allotment; lottery.
Lot
All members of a set; everything.
The table was loaded with food, but by evening there was nothing but crumbs; we had eaten the lot.
If I were in charge, I'd fire the lot of them.
Lot
(historic) An old unit of weight used in many European countries from the Middle Ages, often defined as 1/30 or 1/32 of a (local) pound.
Lot
To allot; to sort; to apportion.
Lot
To count or reckon (on or upon).
Lot
That which happens without human design or forethought; chance; accident; hazard; fortune; fate.
But save my life, which lot before your foot doth lay.
Lot
Anything (as a die, pebble, ball, or slip of paper) used in determining a question by chance, or without man's choice or will; as, to cast or draw lots.
The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole disposing thereof is of the Lord.
If we draw lots, he speeds.
Lot
The part, or fate, which falls to one, as it were, by chance, or without his planning.
O visions ill foreseen! Each day's lot'sEnough to bear.
He was but born to tryThe lot of man - to suffer and to die.
Lot
A separate portion; a number of things taken collectively; all objects sold in a single purchase transaction; as, a lot of stationery; - colloquially, sometimes of people; as, a sorry lot; a bad lot.
I, this winter, met with a very large lot of English heads, chiefly of the reign of James I.
Lot
A distinct portion or plot of land, usually smaller than a field; as, a building lot in a city.
The defendants leased a house and lot in the city of New York.
Lot
A large quantity or number; a great deal; as, to spend a lot of money; to waste a lot of time on line; lots of people think so.
He wrote to her . . . he might be detained in London by a lot of business.
Lot
A prize in a lottery.
Lot
To allot; to sort; to portion.
Lot
(often followed by `of') a large number or amount or extent;
A batch of letters
A deal of trouble
A lot of money
He made a mint on the stock market
It must have cost plenty
Lot
A parcel of land having fixed boundaries;
He bought a lot on the lake
Lot
Your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you);
Whatever my fortune may be
Deserved a better fate
Has a happy lot
The luck of the Irish
A victim of circumstances
Success that was her portion
Lot
Any collection in its entirety;
She bought the whole caboodle
Lot
An unofficial association of people or groups;
The smart set goes there
They were an angry lot
Lot
Anything (straws or pebbles etc.) taken or chosen at random;
The luck of the draw
They drew lots for it
Lot
(Old Testament) nephew of Abraham; God destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah but chose to spare Lot and his family who were told to flee without looking back at the destruction
Lot
Divide into lots, as of land, for example
Lot
Administer or bestow, as in small portions;
Administer critical remarks to everyone present
Dole out some money
Shell out pocket money for the children
Deal a blow to someone
FAQs
Can one's lot in life change?
Yes, one's lot can change due to various factors such as effort, luck, and circumstances.
What is destiny?
Destiny is the belief in a predetermined course of events that is often seen as guided by a higher power.
Can destiny be changed?
Destiny is often viewed as unchangeable and inevitable.
What is lot?
Lot refers to one's share or portion in life, influenced by chance, luck, and circumstances.
How is destiny viewed in different cultures?
Different cultures have varying interpretations of destiny, often tied to religious or philosophical beliefs.
Does lot imply acceptance?
Yes, lot often implies accepting and dealing with one's circumstances.
Is lot related to luck?
Yes, lot often includes elements of luck and chance.
How does destiny differ from lot?
Destiny implies a sense of purpose and inevitability, while lot focuses on the practical, everyday conditions of life.
Is lot always negative?
Lot encompasses both positive and negative aspects of life.
Is destiny a common theme in stories?
Yes, destiny is a common theme in literature and mythology.
Can lot be improved through effort?
Yes, individuals can strive to improve their lot in life through effort and determination.
Is lot more practical than destiny?
Yes, lot is generally more practical and immediate, focusing on one's current life conditions.
Is destiny always positive?
Destiny can be perceived as positive or negative, depending on the context and beliefs.
How is lot used in literature?
Lot is often used to describe a character's circumstances and challenges in life.
Can destiny involve personal effort?
Some believe that personal effort is part of fulfilling one's destiny.
Does destiny imply a higher power?
Often, destiny is associated with a higher power or divine plan.
Can destiny be a self-fulfilling prophecy?
In some cases, believing in a certain destiny can lead individuals to actions that fulfill that belief.
Is lot often mentioned in everyday speech?
Lot is frequently used in everyday speech to discuss life circumstances.
Do all people believe in destiny?
Beliefs in destiny vary widely among individuals and cultures.
Can lot be influenced by external factors?
Yes, lot is heavily influenced by external factors such as social conditions and random events.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Co-written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
