Fortunate

Definition

Fortunate describes someone or something that is favored by good luck or favorable conditions.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɔrtʃənɪt/ or /ˈfɔrtʃnɪt/
• Respelling: FOR-chuh-nit (with "FOR" as in "fort," "chuh" as in "church," and "nit" as in "sit")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːtʃənət/
• Respelling: FOR-chuh-nut (with "FOR" as in "fort," "chuh" as in "church," and "nut" as in "hut")

In both dialects, "fortunate" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "FOR." The pronunciation differs slightly, focusing on the clear articulation of "FOR-chuh-nit" in American English and "FOR-chuh-nut" in British English.

Etymology

The word "fortunate" is derived from the Latin word "fortunatus," which means "prosperous" or "lucky." This, in turn, comes from "fortuna," meaning "chance, luck, or fortune." The term has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, primarily to describe people or situations that experience favorable outcomes.

Derivatives

• Fortunately (adverb)
• Unfortunate (adjective)
• Unluckily (adverb, related)
• Misfortune (noun, related)
• Fortunateness (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Lucky
• Blessed
• Propitious

Antonyms

• Unlucky
• Disadvantaged
• Ill-fated

Usage

"Fortunate" is commonly used to describe people or situations that experience positive outcomes or good luck. It is often used to express gratitude for favorable circumstances or to acknowledge that someone has been lucky in avoiding misfortune. The term can be applied in both formal and informal contexts.

Related Terms

• Luck
• Fate
• Chance
• Serendipity
• Providence

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Experiencing Favorable Outcomes: Describes someone who has encountered good luck or success, often in a way that seems random or unplanned.
  • Example: She was fortunate to find her lost wallet just in time.

• Marked by Good Fortune: Refers to situations, events, or objects that are characterized by or bring good luck.
  • Example: Winning the lottery was a fortunate event for him.

• Auspicious or Favorable: Used to describe something that is likely to bring good luck or positive results.
  • Example: It was fortunate that the weather cleared up before the outdoor wedding.