fortuitous

/fɔːˈtjuːɪtəs/ (bre, ipa) · /fɔːrˈtuːɪtəs/ (ame, ipa) · /fȯr-ˈtü-ə-təs -ˈtyü-, fər-/ (ame, mw)

fortuitous — adjective

  • fortuitouspositive
  • more fortuitouscomparative
  • most fortuitoussuperlative

1. describes an event or situation that is not planned or expected, yet brings a we

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describes an event or situation that is not planned or expected, yet brings a welcome or helpful result

例句

A fortuitous meeting with an old colleague led to a job offer that Theo had never expected.

fortuitous + noun (meeting / discovery / arrival)

The fortuitous discovery of the ancient scrolls happened when a construction crew dug a new foundation.

同義詞
  • unexpected

    focuses on surprise rather than luck; neutral in outcome

  • coincidental

    stresses that two things happened at the same time without planning

  • serendipitous

    more literary; specifically describes a happy accident that leads to something valuable

  • lucky

    informal and more common; focuses on the good outcome rather than the chance element

反義詞

用法筆記

Often confused with 'fortunate'. 'Fortuitous' emphasises the unplanned nature of an event; the result may be good, but the core meaning is 'by chance'. 'Fortunate' focuses on the good luck itself. In careful writing, avoid using 'fortuitous' as a simple synonym for 'lucky'.

常見錯誤

❌I was fortuitous to find a parking spot.
✅I was fortunate to find a parking spot.
💡'Fortuitous' describes events, not people; use 'fortunate' when saying someone is lucky.