noun
fortune
FOR-chun/ˈfɔːrtʃən/
Accumulated wealth and financial prosperity.
The gold bars and gemstones in the vault represent a fortune.
Etymology
From “chance” or “fate,” fortune came to describe a person's lot in life. The wealth sense probably developed through “standing in life,” then standing determined by wealth, and finally wealth itself.
In context
King Arthur's only son asked his father to give him a large sum of money in order that he might go and seek his fortune
More examples
- She built her fortune by selling affordable furniture.
- He inherited a fortune from his grandmother.
- Repairing this old house costs a fortune.
Forms
fortune · fortunes
Similar words
- wealth
- Refers broadly to valuable resources, not necessarily one person's holdings.
- riches
- Emphasizes abundant money and valuable possessions rather than financial success.
- prosperity
- Describes financial success and well-being rather than an accumulated sum.