What is fortunate? Pronunciation and usage in English

fortunate means . Learn how to pronounce and use fortunate through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fortunate

fortunateadjective

/ˈfɔːtʃənət//ˈfɔːrtʃənət/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fortunate." Here's a breakdown and some tips:

Standard Pronunciation:

  • For-tu-nate (IPA: /ˈfɔːrtʃuːneɪt/)

Let's break that down further:

  • For: Sounds like the word "for" as in "for you." It's a short "uh" sound.
  • tu: Similar to the word "too." A short, quick "too" sound.
  • nate: This is the tricky part! It rhymes with "late." The "t" is silent. It sounds like "nay-t".

Tips for Getting it Right:

  1. Stress: The primary stress is on the first syllable: "for-tu-nate."

  2. "nate" Sound: Really focus on that "nay-t" sound. Don't let the "t" interfere with the flow.

  3. Vowel Sounds:

    • "or" in "for": A short, clear "uh" sound.
    • "u" in "tu": A short, quick "too" sound.
    • "a" in "nate": A short, clear "ay" sound (like in "say").

Resources for Hearing It:

To help me tailor the explanation even more, would you like:

  • To hear me say it (I can type it out phonetically)?
  • A more detailed breakdown of the mouth movements (though that’s harder to convey in text)?

Usage and examples with the word fortunate in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fortunate" in English. It's a versatile word with a few different nuances, but generally, it means having good luck or a favorable situation.

1. Core Meaning: Luck and Good Fortune

  • Most Common Use: This is the primary way "fortunate" is used – to describe someone or something benefiting from good luck.

    • Example: "I was fortunate to find a parking spot right in front of the theater." (You got lucky!)
    • Example: "He was fortunate to escape unharmed in the accident." (He was lucky to be okay.)
    • Example: "She's a fortunate child, with loving parents and a bright future." (She has good luck in her life.)

2. Describing a Favorable Situation

  • Beyond Just Luck: "Fortunate" can also describe a situation that is beneficial or advantageous, even if it's not purely based on luck.

    • Example: "It was fortunate that the rain stopped just as we were about to leave." (It happened to be a positive time, even though it wasn't planned.)
    • Example: "We were fortunate to get this grant – it will allow us to fund our research." (It’s a good thing that happened, providing an advantage.)

3. Adjective vs. Adverb

  • Adjective: "Fortunate" is most often used as an adjective, describing a person, thing, or situation. (e.g., “a fortunate outcome,” “a fortunate person”)

  • Adverb (Rare): You can use it as an adverb, but it’s much less common and sounds a bit formal. It modifies a verb, indicating that something happened by good luck.

    • Example: “He fortunately arrived on time.” (Emphasizes that his arrival was lucky). You’d generally rephrase to avoid this.

4. Synonyms

Here are some words that have similar meanings to "fortunate," which can help you vary your language:

  • Lucky
  • Blessed
  • Well-off
  • Advantageous
  • Propitious
  • Serendipitous (meaning happening by chance in a happy or beneficial way)

5. Phrases with "Fortunate"

  • Fortunate circumstances: Describing a series of lucky events.
  • Fortuitous: Very close in meaning to "fortunate" - meaning happening by chance. (Note: "fortuitous" is often used in more formal writing.)

Examples Demonstrating Different Uses:

  • Luck: "Winning the lottery is a fortunate event."
  • Beneficial Situation: “It was fortunate that we checked the weather forecast before we packed.”
  • Describing a Person: "She’s a fortunate artist; her work is constantly being exhibited."

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "fortunate" in? (e.g., writing a story, giving a presentation, casual conversation?)

Synonyms for the word fortunate

Practice with vocabulary fortunate

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. It was truly a _______ turn of events that the project secured additional funding just as we were running out of resources.
  2. The new trade agreement created an _______ environment for small businesses looking to expand internationally.
  3. We consider ourselves _______ to have such a dedicated and talented team working on this complex endeavor.
  4. After weeks of intense negotiations, the two parties finally reached a _______ agreement, avoiding a potential strike.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which of the following describes a situation where a positive outcome occurs by chance or good luck? A) disastrous B) inevitable C) fortunate D) ill-fated E) blessed

  2. The economist predicted an _______ period of growth for the coming quarter, despite global uncertainties. A) ominous B) auspicious C) challenging D) stagnating

  3. We are immensely _______ to have such a supportive community that rallied behind our fundraising campaign. A) underprivileged B) burdened C) fortunate D) unlucky

  4. Which word best describes an accidental but pleasant discovery or occurrence? A) deliberate B) serendipitous C) intentional D) methodical E) chance

  5. The CEO felt particularly _______ about the company's strong financial performance in a volatile market, attributing it to both skill and good timing. A) apprehensive B) precarious C) successful D) fortunate E) privileged

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: It was by pure luck that we managed to avoid the major traffic jam on the highway. Rewrite: (Start with "It was fortunate that...")

  2. Original: The sudden increase in sales gave the struggling startup a much-needed boost. Rewrite: (Replace "gave...a boost" with a phrase using an appropriate word that is not "fortunate" or its forms.)

  3. Original: We were quite lucky to find a new supplier who could meet our specific requirements on short notice. Rewrite: (Begin the sentence with "We were quite fortunate...")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. fortunate
  2. advantageous
  3. fortunate
  4. favorable

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) fortunate, E) blessed
  2. B) auspicious
  3. C) fortunate
  4. B) serendipitous, E) chance
  5. C) successful, D) fortunate, E) privileged

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was fortunate that we managed to avoid the major traffic jam on the highway.
  2. The sudden increase in sales provided an advantageous boost for the struggling startup.
  3. We were quite fortunate to find a new supplier who could meet our specific requirements on short notice.

Comment ()