What is lucky? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of lucky

luckyadjective

/ˈlʌki/
Definition & pronunciation of lucky

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "lucky" in English! Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈlʌk.i/ (rhymes with "duck-ee")

Let's break that down further:

  • ˈlʌk: This part is key.

    • l: Pronounced as in "lamp" – a clear /l/ sound.
    • ʌ: This is a short "uh" sound, like in "but" or "sun." It's a very central vowel sound. Don't make it too wide or open.
    • k: Pronounced as in "kite."

  • i: This is a short "i" sound, like in "sit" or "bit."

Here's a slightly more detailed breakdown with phonetic symbols (if you're familiar with them):

  • /ˈlʌk.i/ (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet)
    • ˈ - primary stress (placed on the first syllable)
    • l - voiceless alveolar lateral fricative (that’s the /l/ sound)
    • ʌ - closed near-mid central vowel (that’s the short "uh" sound)
    • k - voiceless velar stop (that’s the /k/ sound)
    • i - close near-front unrounded vowel (that’s the short "i" sound)

Tips for getting it right:

  • Emphasis: Put the stress on the first syllable ("luk").
  • "Uh" sound: Really focus on that short, central "uh" sound in the middle. Avoid saying it like "luck-ee."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some ways to hear the pronunciation:
    • Google Search: Search "how to pronounce lucky" on Google and listen to the audio results.
    • YouTube: Many videos demonstrate pronunciation.
    • Dictionary Apps: Most dictionary apps (like Merriam-Webster, Oxford, etc.) have audio pronunciations when you tap on the word.

To summarize, think "duck-ee."

Do you want me to:

  • Record myself saying it?
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Usage and examples with the word lucky in English

Let's break down how to use the word "lucky" in English. It's a very common and versatile word, but it has a few different shades of meaning.

1. Basic Meaning: Having Good Fortune

  • Definition: "Lucky" simply means having good luck – experiencing fortunate events or outcomes.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm so lucky to have you as a friend!" (Expressing appreciation for a good relationship)
    • "He was lucky to escape unharmed in the accident." (He was fortunate to not be seriously injured)
    • "It was lucky that I found a parking space right in front of the building." (A stroke of good fortune)
    • "She's a lucky girl to be dating a famous actor." (She's fortunate to have that opportunity)

2. Describing Serendipity - Unexpected Good Fortune

  • Definition: "Lucky" is often used to describe situations where something beneficial happens unexpectedly, often when you weren’t looking for it. It implies a bit of chance and surprise.
  • Examples:
    • "I was so lucky to stumble upon that amazing vintage store." (You weren't actively searching, but you found something great.)
    • "It was lucky that I decided to take that detour; I found the most beautiful waterfall." (An unplanned, positive discovery.)

3. As an Adjective Describing a Person

  • Definition: You can use "lucky" to describe someone who generally experiences good fortune.
  • Examples:
    • "She's a lucky girl – she always seems to win at games." (She repeatedly has good luck.)
    • "He's a lucky man; he inherited a lot of money." (His good fortune is due to circumstance.)

4. Figurative Usage - Expressing Relief or Good Timing

  • Definition: Sometimes, "lucky" is used informally to express relief that something went well, or that you avoided a negative outcome. It’s not always literal luck, but a feeling of good fortune.
  • Examples:
    • "I was so lucky I finished the report just before the deadline!" (Relief that you succeeded.)
    • "We were lucky to get a table at that busy restaurant." (Relief that you managed to find a seat.)

Important Nuances and Related Words:

  • "Lucky" vs. "Fortunate": "Fortunate" is a more formal synonym for "lucky." They are often interchangeable.
  • "Chance": Often works in conjunction with lucky. "It was a matter of chance that I met him."
  • "Blessed": (More often used in religious contexts) – Similar to "lucky" but implying divine favor or grace.

Common Phrases with "Lucky":

  • "It's lucky you were here."
  • "You're so lucky!"
  • “Lucky you!” (Often said with a slight tinge of envy, if someone else has something you want.)

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

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "lucky" in? (e.g., a conversation, a writing assignment, etc.)
  • Do you have a specific sentence or idea you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word lucky

Idioms of the word lucky

get lucky
to have good luck
  • She hopes that some day she'll get lucky and win the jackpot.
to meet somebody new and have sex with them
  • Mike's hoping to get lucky tonight.
lucky you, me, etc.
(informal)used to show that you think somebody is lucky to have something, be able to do something, etc.
  • ‘I'm off to Paris.’ ‘Lucky you!’
strike (it) lucky
(informal)to have good luck
  • We certainly struck it lucky with the weather.
thank your lucky stars
to feel very grateful and lucky about something
  • Just thank your lucky stars you weren’t in the house at the time.
third time lucky
used when you have failed to do something twice and hope that you will succeed the third time
    you’ll be lucky
    (informal)used to tell somebody that something that they are expecting probably will not happen
    • ‘I was hoping to get a ticket for Saturday.’ ‘You'll be lucky.’
    you, etc. should be so lucky
    (informal)used to tell somebody that they will probably not get what they are hoping for, and may not deserve it

      Practice with vocabulary lucky

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. She felt incredibly ____ to have secured the highly competitive internship, beating out hundreds of other applicants.
      2. The company's swift adaptation to the market changes was a ____ factor in its sustained profitability.
      3. It was a purely ____ coincidence that we both applied for the same position and ended up working in the same department.
      4. Despite the unexpected challenges, the project team maintained a ____ approach, ensuring all deadlines were met.

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (there may be multiple correct answers per question)

      1. After facing numerous setbacks, receiving an offer from his dream company made him feel truly ____. A) successful B) fortunate C) ambitious D) lucky

      2. It was remarkably ____ that the power returned just as the presentation was about to begin, preventing a major disruption. A) opportune B) timely C) lucky D) coincidental

      3. The project team secured additional funding unexpectedly, which was a very ____ break for their research. A) beneficial B) profitable C) lucky D) valuable

      4. His ____ negotiation skills enabled the company to secure a highly favorable contract with the new client. A) impressive B) fortunate C) shrewd D) exemplary

      5. The discovery of a new, untapped market niche proved to be a ____ development for the startup, leading to rapid expansion. A) propitious B) beneficial C) accidental D) opportune

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. Original: It was a stroke of good fortune that we managed to secure an interview with the CEO at such short notice. Rewrite using "lucky": We were very ____ to secure an interview with the CEO at such short notice.

      2. Original: Her quick thinking helped avert a potential crisis during the product launch. Rewrite without using "lucky": Her quick thinking proved ____ in averting a potential crisis during the product launch.

      3. Original: Despite the initial challenges, the project's surprisingly successful outcome was met with relief. Rewrite using "lucky" or related forms: It was ____ that the project had such a surprisingly successful outcome despite the initial challenges.

      Answer:

      Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

      1. lucky
      2. crucial
      3. lucky
      4. diligent

      Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

      1. B) fortunate, D) lucky
      2. A) opportune, C) lucky, D) coincidental
      3. C) lucky
      4. A) impressive, C) shrewd, D) exemplary
      5. A) propitious, B) beneficial, D) opportune

      Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

      1. We were very lucky to secure an interview with the CEO at such short notice.
      2. Her quick thinking proved instrumental in averting a potential crisis during the product launch.
      3. It was lucky that the project had such a surprisingly successful outcome despite the initial challenges.

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