Fortune

Definition

Fortune refers to chance or luck, particularly as it affects a person's life. It can also denote great wealth or riches, or a person’s destiny. As a verb, it means to endow with wealth or good luck.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːrtʃən/
• Respelling: FOR-chuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈfɔːtʃuːn/
• Respelling: FAW-choon

Etymology

The word "fortune" originates from the Latin "fortuna," meaning "luck" or "chance," which is related to "fors," meaning "chance" or "luck." It passed through Old French as "fortune" before entering Middle English, retaining its meanings of luck, wealth, and fate.

Derivatives

• Fortunate (adjective)
• Fortuitous (adjective)
• Misfortune (noun)
• Fortuneless (adjective)
• Fortuner (noun)

Synonyms

• Luck
• Wealth
• Destiny

Antonyms

• Misfortune
• Poverty
• Adversity

Usage

The noun "fortune" is often used to describe luck ("He was blessed with good fortune"), wealth ("She inherited a vast fortune"), or destiny ("It was his fortune to become a great leader"). The verb form, though less common, can mean to endow with good fortune ("The venture fortuned him greatly").

Related Terms

• Fate: The development of events beyond a person's control, regarded as determined by a supernatural power.
• Luck: Success or failure brought by chance rather than through one’s own actions.
• Prosperity: The state of being successful and wealthy.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Luck or chance, especially in the context of success or failure: Refers to events influenced by fate or chance.
  • Example: "The fortune of war favored them."
• Great wealth or riches: Describes material prosperity or affluence.
  • Example: "She made a fortune investing in real estate."
• A person's destiny or fate: Refers to the predetermined course of events in one’s life.
  • Example: "His fortune was to become a world-renowned artist."

Verb

• To endow with wealth or good luck: Refers to bringing success or prosperity to someone.
  • Example: "The venture fortuned him greatly."
• To happen by chance: Describes events occurring unpredictably or accidentally.
  • Example: "It fortuned that they met again after many years."