Fortune: meaning, definitions and examples
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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.
|
| 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.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
| forecast |
Used mainly in the context of predicting the weather or financial trends based on available data.
|
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.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- 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.
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.
Translations
Translations of the word "fortune" in other languages:
🇵🇹 fortuna
🇮🇳 भाग्य
🇩🇪 Glück
- Schicksal
- Vermögen
🇮🇩 nasib
🇺🇦 удача
- доля
- багатство
🇵🇱 szczęście
- los
- fortuna
🇯🇵 運
- 幸運
- 財産
🇫🇷 fortune
- chance
- destin
🇪🇸 fortuna
- suerte
- destino
🇹🇷 şans
- talih
- servet
🇰🇷 운
- 행운
- 재산
🇸🇦 حظ
- ثروة
- مصير
🇨🇿 štěstí
- osud
- bohatství
🇸🇰 šťastie
- osud
- bohatstvo
🇨🇳 运气
- 财富
- 命运
🇸🇮 sreča
- usoda
- bogastvo
🇮🇸 gæfa
- örlög
- auðæfi
🇰🇿 сәттілік
- байлық
- тағдыр
🇬🇪 იღბალი
- ბედი
- სიმდიდრე
🇦🇿 bəxt
- tale
- sərvət
🇲🇽 fortuna
- suerte
- destino