adverb

luckily

By good fortune.

The store is busy, but luckily the line moves quickly.

Etymology

Luckily combines lucky with the adverb ending -ly. It describes an event as occurring through favorable chance, or marks the speaker's judgment that an outcome was fortunate.

More examples

  • I lost my keys, but luckily someone turned them in.
  • The branch fell close to us, luckily missing everyone.
  • We arrived without a reservation and luckily got the last table.

Forms

lucky adjective — Having or bringing good fortune.

luck noun — Chance that brings favorable or unfavorable outcomes.

Similar words

fortunately
A close equivalent, often used in more formal writing.
thankfully
Expresses relief or gratitude as well as good fortune.