What is fortune? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of fortune

fortunenoun

/ˈfɔːtʃuːn//ˈfɔːtʃ(ə)n/
Definition & pronunciation of fortune

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fortune" in English. It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈfɔːr.tʃuːn/ (Rhymes with "burn")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "for": Pronounced like the word "for" - as in, "for you." The "o" sound is relatively short.

  2. "ch": This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like the "ch" in "church" or "chair". It's a soft, breathy "ch" sound.

  3. "u": Pronounced like the "u" in "tune" or "blue."

  4. "n": Pronounced like the "n" in "run."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't say "for-tune" like you’re saying "fortune cookie." That's a common mistake.
  • Focus on the 'ch' sound. Really try to get that breathy, almost voiceless "ch" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to hear it is to listen to native speakers. Here are a few resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce fortune" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fortune/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more example words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word fortune in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fortune" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, grouped by how it's commonly used:

1. As a large amount of money (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. It refers to a substantial sum of money, often unexpectedly or through good luck.
  • Examples:
    • "He struck it rich and had a great fortune."
    • "The wealthy family inherited a vast fortune."
    • "The company's success led to a sudden fortune."
    • "She spent her entire fortune on charity."

2. Luck or Fate

  • Meaning: “Fortune” can represent luck, destiny, or the course of events. It’s often used in a more poetic or symbolic way.
  • Examples:
    • "It was a matter of fortune that I was at the right place at the right time." (lucky coincidence)
    • "They believed their marriage was blessed by fortune." (suggesting a fortunate, happy outcome)
    • “Despite all his efforts, he was at the mercy of fortune.” (meaning his fate was uncertain)

3. A Prophecy or Prediction (Traditional/Old-Fashioned)

  • Meaning: Historically, "fortune" referred to a written prediction of what will happen, often by a soothsayer or fortune teller. This usage is less common today but still appears in literature and older contexts.
  • Examples:
    • "She consulted a fortune teller to learn about her future.”
    • "The ancient scrolls contained prophecies of fortune."

4. A Good Outcome or Success (Figurative)

  • Meaning: Can be used to describe a positive result or favorable situation, even if it’s not directly about money.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm hoping for a good fortune in the job interview." (meaning a successful outcome)
    • "The project brought them a great fortune in terms of recognition." (meaning success and praise)

5. As a Noun Phrase (Referring to a person or thing associated with wealth)

  • Meaning: You might hear phrases like "a man of fortune" or "a woman of fortune." This refers to someone who has acquired wealth.
  • Examples:
    • "He was a man of fortune, known for his business acumen."

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to how "fortune" is used in the sentence to understand its meaning.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like wealth, riches, prosperity, luck, or destiny depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "fortune" in a specific context (e.g., business, literature)?
  • Explain how "fortune" differs from related words like "luck" or "wealth"?

Synonyms for the word fortune

Idioms of the word fortune

a hostage to fortune
something that you have, or have promised to do, that could cause trouble or worry in the future
    seek your fortune
    (literary)to try to find a way to become rich, especially by going to another place
    • Many emigrated to Australia to seek their fortune.

    Practice with vocabulary fortune

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. After years of smart investments, she amassed a considerable _______, allowing her to retire early.
    2. Despite initial setbacks, the new market trend presented an unprecedented _______ for growth in the tech sector.
    3. It was by sheer good _______ that we discovered the critical error before the product launch.
    4. The nation experienced a period of great economic _______ following the discovery of significant oil reserves.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. The tech startup quickly grew, and its founders soon acquired a significant _______. A) assets B) fortune C) wealth D) capital

    2. It was a stroke of good _______ that the project manager caught the crucial mistake before the presentation to stakeholders. A) coincidence B) luck C) happenstance D) fortune

    3. The success of the clinical trials would determine the _______ of the pharmaceutical company. A) destiny B) future C) outcome D) verdict

    4. After securing the venture capital, the young entrepreneur expressed gratitude for the turn of _______. A) events B) luck C) fortune D) fate

    5. Implementing the new software significantly improved the team's _______ in project delivery. A) efficiency B) capability C) performance D) efficacy

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The family became extremely wealthy after discovering oil on their land. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "fortune")

    2. It was very lucky that we found the solution to the complex problem just before the deadline. (Rewrite the sentence using a form of "fortune")

    3. His career improved significantly after he took the risk to start his own company. (Rewrite the sentence without using "fortune" or related forms)

    Answer:

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. fortune
    2. opportunity
    3. fortune
    4. prosperity

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. B) fortune, C) wealth
    2. B) luck, D) fortune
    3. A) destiny, B) future, C) outcome
    4. B) luck, C) fortune, D) fate
    5. A) efficiency, C) performance, D) efficacy

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The family amassed a vast fortune after discovering oil on their land.
    2. It was a great stroke of fortune that we found the solution to the complex problem just before the deadline.
    3. His career thrived after he took the risk to start his own company.

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