Understanding the Nuances: Fortunate vs. Fortuitous

Difference Between the Words “Fortunate” and “Fortuitous”

The words “fortunate” and “fortuitous” can sound the same and may cause some confusion. However, they have different meanings. Let’s explore what each word means, where they come from, and how we can remember when to use which word.

History of the Words

Fortunate: The word “fortunate” comes from the Latin word fortunatus, which means “lucky” or “favored by fortune.” It has been used in English since the 14th century, often to describe someone who has good luck or good fortune.

Fortuitous: “Fortuitous” comes from the Latin word fortuitus, which means “happening by chance.” This word started being used in English around the 17th century. It refers to things that happen by accident, especially when they are unexpected.

How to Use Them

Fortunate: Use “fortunate” when you want to say that someone has good luck or something good has happened to them.

• She was fortunate to find her lost cat.
• I feel fortunate to have good friends.
• We were fortunate to have sunny weather for our picnic.
• He is fortunate to have a loving family.
• The team was fortunate to win the match in the last minute.

Fortuitous: Use “fortuitous” when something happens by chance, especially when it turns out well by accident.

• It was fortuitous that we met at the party by chance.
• Finding money on the street was fortuitous.
• The discovery of the old painting was completely fortuitous.
• Her fortuitous encounter with a friend saved her from being lonely.
• The fortuitous coincidence led to a wonderful friendship.

Trick to Remember the Difference

An easy way to remember the difference is to think of “fortunate” as lucky and “fortuitous” as by chance. When something good happens by chance, you can think of it as “fortuitous.” If someone is lucky, they are “fortunate.”

Summary of Usage

Although “fortunate” and “fortuitous” can be confusing, they mean different things. “Fortunate” is about having good luck, while “fortuitous” refers to an event that happens by chance. Remember, being lucky is fortunate, and an event that occurs by chance is fortuitous.