Fortune Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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fortune
[ˈfɔːrtʃən ]
Definitions
luck
Fortune refers to the success and prosperity that someone has, usually as a result of chance or fate. It can also refer to a large amount of money or assets.
Synonyms
luck, prosperity, wealth.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fortune |
Use this word when referring to a large amount of money or valuable assets, often inherited or gained through significant success.
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| luck |
This word is appropriate when speaking about good fortune or success that happens by chance rather than through one's own actions or plans.
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| wealth |
This word describes an abundance of valuable assets or money, more generally encompassing both money and material possessions.
|
| prosperity |
Use this term when referring to a state of being prosperous, characterized by economic well-being and stability over a long period of time.
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Examples of usage
- She inherited a fortune from her late uncle.
- He made his fortune in the stock market.
- Despite all odds, fortune smiled upon him.
famous cookie
A fortune is also a small slip of paper inside a fortune cookie, typically containing words of wisdom or a prediction for the future.
Synonyms
forecast, prediction, prophecy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| fortune |
Typically used in contexts involving wealth, luck, or fate. It can refer to a large amount of money or good luck over an extended period.
|
| prediction |
Refers to a statement made about the future, often based on some evidence or reasoning, and commonly used in scientific, technological, and casual contexts.
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| prophecy |
Often has a mystical or religious connotation, referring to a divinely inspired revelation or a foretelling of the future that seems certain to happen.
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| forecast |
Used mainly in the context of predicting the weather or financial trends based on available data.
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Examples of usage
- My fortune cookie told me I would have a great adventure soon.
- The fortune inside said I would find love in unexpected places.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- Fortune-telling practices, such as tarot cards and astrology, have fascinated many, suggesting ways to predict one's future.
- The phrase 'fortune favors the bold' encourages taking risks, highlighting how bravery can lead to luck.
- Fortune cookies are popular in Chinese restaurants in the West, although they originated in California, not China!
History
- In ancient Rome, fortunes were often determined by rituals and sacrifices made to the gods, influencing personal successes.
- During the Great Depression, the notion of 'fortune' as a way to describe wealth took on new meanings as many families faced financial hardship.
- In many cultures, collecting fortune through games of chance, like lotteries or gambling, has been both a source of excitement and caution.
Literature
- In literature, fortune often plays the role of a character or force that changes the lives of protagonists, leading to unexpected outcomes.
- Shakespeare's works frequently referenced fortune, illustrating the fickle nature of luck through his tragic and comedic characters.
- The concept of fortune is central in tales of heroes and anti-heroes, showing the thin line between success and failure.
Psychology
- Beliefs about fortune can influence people's behaviors, such as optimism bias where individuals expect good things to happen.
- The concept of 'locus of control' in psychology shows how some believe they create their own fortune, while others feel it's random.
- Research suggests that individuals who believe in good fortune may experience increased well-being and resilience against stress.
Origin of 'fortune'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'fortunam', which means 'chance, luck', and reflects the idea of fate.
- In Old French, the term 'fortune' was used to describe both luck and wealth during the Middle Ages.
- The word is linked to the Roman goddess Fortuna, who was believed to control the fate of humans, symbolizing luck and prosperity.
The word 'fortune' has its roots in Middle English, from the Old French 'fortune', which in turn comes from the Latin word 'fortuna' meaning 'chance' or 'luck'. The concept of fortune has been a part of human history for centuries, with various beliefs and superstitions surrounding luck and fate.
See also: fort, fortify, fortitude, fortnight, fortress, forty.