“Fortuitous” and “fortunate” are often confused due to their similar sounds, but they have distinct meanings. “Fortuitous” means happening by chance, often with a positive connotation, while “fortunate” means having good luck or experiencing good fortune. This lesson will define each word and provide examples to illustrate their proper usage.
Fortuitous
Definition:
“Fortuitous” means happening by chance or randomly, often with a positive connotation.
Examples of use:
The fortuitous software sales caused a rise in revenue.
It was a fortuitous meeting that led to their successful business partnership.
Finding the missing documents was a fortuitous event that saved the project.
Fortunate
Definition:
“Fortunate” means being lucky or having good fortune.
Examples of use:
She is fortunate in that her unemployment lasted just a few months.
We were fortunate to have such good weather during our vacation.
He felt fortunate to have a supportive family and friends.
“Fortuitous” refers to something happening by chance, often in a positive way, while “fortunate” refers to experiencing good luck or positive outcomes. Recognizing the difference between these terms ensures accurate and effective communication.
