adjective

fortunate

FOR-chuh-nut/ˈfɔːrtʃənət/

Favored by or involving good luck.

The woman is fortunate that the falling branch misses her end of the bench.

A woman sitting on one end of a park bench has narrowly escaped a heavy falling branch that has crushed the empty other end.

Etymology

The Latin verb “to make prosperous” produced a participle meaning “prospered” or “lucky.” This connects good luck with being in a prosperous or favorable condition.

In context

Better Horses13:37

i feel really fortunate to have them

Episode 162

More examples

A fortunate coincidence brought the old friends together again.
She was fortunate enough to escape without injury.
The extra funding helps students from less fortunate families.

Forms

fortunate · more fortunate · most fortunate

fortunately adverb — By good luck or favorable circumstances.

fortune noun — Chance or luck affecting someone's life.

Similar words

lucky: More informal; often emphasizes chance rather than favorable circumstances.
blessed: Often suggests gratitude or divine favor rather than chance.