Fortuitously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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fortuitously

[ˌfɔːrtʃuˈɪtəsli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

accidentally

happening by chance or accident

Synonyms

accidentally, randomly, unexpectedly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fortuitously

Used when something happens by chance in a way that is lucky or favorable.

  • She fortuitously met an old friend at the airport, which led to a new job opportunity
accidentally

Used when something happens unintentionally or by mistake.

  • He accidentally knocked over the vase while reaching for the book
randomly

Used when something happens without any specific pattern, purpose, or objective.

  • The winners of the raffle were chosen randomly from the entire pool of entrants
unexpectedly

Used when something happens in an unforeseen way or without any prior warning.

  • She received an unexpectedly high score on her test, which surprised everyone

Examples of usage

  • She fortuitously ran into her old friend at the grocery store.
  • I fortuitously discovered a $20 bill on the sidewalk.
Context #2 | Adverb

luckily

in a way that is fortunate or lucky

Synonyms

fortunately, luckily, serendipitously.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
fortuitously

Used to describe events that happen by chance, without any intention or plan. The result can be good or bad, but it's purely accidental.

  • Fortuitously, I ran into an old friend at the airport.
  • She discovered the solution fortuitously, while working on a different problem.
luckily

Similar to 'fortunately', it is used to describe good outcomes that are unexpected or happen by chance. It often carries a more casual tone.

  • Luckily, I had an umbrella when it started to rain.
  • He was in a car accident, but luckily, he wasn't hurt.
fortunately

Used when something good happens, often unexpectedly. It highlights positive outcomes.

  • Fortunately, the weather cleared up just in time for the picnic.
  • I missed the bus, but fortunately, another one arrived shortly after.
serendipitously

Used to describe finding something good without actually looking for it or an accidental discovery of something pleasant. It emphasizes the luck involved in such discoveries.

  • She stumbled serendipitously upon an antique shop with rare collectibles.
  • They serendipitously discovered a new species of plant while hiking.

Examples of usage

  • Fortuitously, the rain stopped just in time for the outdoor wedding.
  • The delay in the flight fortuitously allowed me to finish reading my book.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In literature, characters often face fortuitous events that change the story's direction.
  • Authors use fortuitous encounters to develop plot twists and surprise endings.

Science

  • Scientific discoveries can occur fortuitously, such as penicillin, which was discovered by Alexander Fleming unexpectedly.
  • Fortuitous events in nature can lead to genetic variations beneficial for species evolution.

Psychology

  • People often perceive serendipitous events as positive, influencing their mental well-being.
  • Fortuitous events can enhance creativity, as they encourage new connections and thoughts.

Pop Culture

  • Films often depict fortuitous moments where characters unexpectedly find love or success.
  • Reality shows sometimes hinge on fortuitous moments that lead to dramatic crises or humorous outcomes.

Origin of 'fortuitously'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'fortuitus,' meaning 'happening by chance.'
  • It entered the English language in the early 19th century, showing how luck was viewed.

The word 'fortuitously' originates from the Latin word 'fortuitus', meaning 'happening by chance'. It entered the English language in the 1740s with a similar meaning of happening by chance or accident. Over time, it has come to be associated with lucky or fortunate events as well. The concept of fortuitous events has been explored in various fields such as philosophy, science, and literature.


See also: fortuitous.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,234 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.