Fortune: meaning, definitions and examples

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fortune

 

[ˈfɔːrtʃən ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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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.

  • She inherited a vast fortune from her grandparents
  • Winning the lottery brought him an incredible fortune
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.

  • He had the luck to find a $20 bill on the sidewalk
  • Good luck on your exam!
wealth

This word describes an abundance of valuable assets or money, more generally encompassing both money and material possessions.

  • He amassed his wealth through successful investments
  • Her family is known for their great wealth
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.

  • The country experienced years of prosperity after the war
  • Their business brought them great prosperity

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

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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.

  • She amassed a great fortune through her successful business ventures.
  • He had the good fortune of finding a new job quickly after being laid off.
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.

  • His prediction about the election results was surprisingly accurate.
  • The scientist offered a prediction about the outcome of the experiment.
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.

  • The ancient prophecy declared that a hero would rise to save the kingdom.
  • Many people believe in the prophecy about the end of the world.
forecast

Used mainly in the context of predicting the weather or financial trends based on available data.

  • The weather forecast predicts rain for the weekend.
  • The financial forecast suggests a recession is likely next year.

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

🇮🇩 nasib

🇺🇦 удача

🇵🇱 szczęście

🇯🇵 

🇫🇷 fortune

🇪🇸 fortuna

🇹🇷 şans

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 حظ

🇨🇿 štěstí

🇸🇰 šťastie

🇨🇳 运气

🇸🇮 sreča

🇮🇸 gæfa

🇰🇿 сәттілік

🇬🇪 იღბალი

🇦🇿 bəxt

🇲🇽 fortuna

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,717, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.