CEFR C2

ananke

noun

Meaning

A force or necessity that is beyond human control, often used to describe the inevitability of fate or destiny.

Examples

The ancient Greeks believed that ananke was a powerful force that governed the lives of mortals and gods alike.
The concept of ananke is still used in philosophy today to describe the idea that some events are inevitable and outside of human control.

Learn English that separates you from the crowd with Anaversity: private classes, Ani practice, Campus tools, and a public English-learning community.

ananke (C2)

noun

Pronunciation: /əˈnæŋki/

Definition

A force or necessity that is beyond human control, often used to describe the inevitability of fate or destiny.

Examples

The ancient Greeks believed that ananke was a powerful force that governed the lives of mortals and gods alike.
The concept of ananke is still used in philosophy today to describe the idea that some events are inevitable and outside of human control.

How to Use ananke

be subject to ananke (idiom): to be controlled by forces beyond one's control — "The company was subject to ananke and had to file for bankruptcy."
succumb to ananke (idiom): to give in to the inevitable — "After a long illness, she finally succumbed to ananke and passed away."

Browse the full Anaversity dictionary