Fortuitous
/fɔːrˈtuːɪtəs/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Fortuitous describes something that happens by accident but turns out to be good or lucky. It is not planned or caused on purpose but happens by chance, often with positive results.
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See It in Action
Happening by chance with a positive outcome
- •It was fortuitous that we met at the cafe because now we are good friends.
- •The discovery of the new medicine was fortuitous and helped many people.
- •Their fortuitous encounter led to a successful business partnership.
Occurring unexpectedly but beneficially
- •The timing of the rain was fortuitous, saving the crops from drought.
- •Winning the lottery was a fortuitous event in her life.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "fortuitous" like "lucky" (A2 word), but it means the good luck comes from something happening by chance, not because you tried to make it happen.
- ✓Picture finding a $20 bill on the street when you need money—that surprise good moment is fortuitous.
- ✓It's the happy feeling when something good happens unexpectedly, like meeting a new friend by chance.
- ✓Sounds like "for-TOO-it-us" → imagine someone saying "For two it’s us!" when two lucky things happen together by chance.
- ✓Think of stories where heroes find help just in time by chance, like a fortuitous meeting that saves the day.
- ✓NOT like "planned" (done on purpose), fortuitous means no plan, just chance.
- ✓NOT like "accident" (neutral), fortuitous is a lucky or good accident.
- ✓NOT like "deliberate" (carefully thought out), fortuitous is random but positive.
Try Other Words
- •Accidental: happening by chance (Use when the event is by chance but may be good or bad)
- •Serendipitous: finding something good without looking for it (Use when emphasizing a happy, unexpected discovery)
- •Unexpected: not planned or expected (Use when focusing on surprise without positive or negative meaning)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: from Latin "fortuitus" meaning "happening by chance," related to "forte" meaning "by chance" or "luck"
- •Etymology: Latin origin, meaning something that happens by accident or chance
- •Historical development: used in English since the 17th century to describe chance events, often with a positive meaning
- •Modern usage: used mainly in formal or written English to describe lucky or fortunate chance events
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be fortuitous if it causes a problem instead of a good result? Why or why not?
•How do you feel when a fortuitous event changes your plans in a positive way?
Fill in the blanks
1.The meeting was fortuitous because it led to a ___ friendship and new opportunities.
2.Her success was fortuitous, happening ___ she did not expect it at all.
3.Unlike a planned event, a fortuitous moment happens by ___, without preparation.
4.The fortuitous discovery of the ancient artifact was ___ for the museum's collection.
5.People often call it fortuitous when good things happen ___ they are not looking for them.
6.A fortuitous event usually brings ___ results, not problems or troubles.
7.The timing of the phone call was fortuitous; it came just ___ I needed help the most.