fortune
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈfɔː.tʃən/
KK: /ˈfɔr.tʃən/
intransitive verb
Definition
To happen or occur by chance, often used in a historical or literary context.
Example
It is said that good things fortune when you least expect them.
Tense Forms
Past: fortuned
Past Participle: fortuned
Conversation
I heard a strange story about how things can fortune when you least expect it.
Really? What happened?
Apparently, a guy found a winning lottery ticket just lying on the street!
That's wild! I guess you never know when luck will strike.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
happen
occur
chance
Antonyms
fail
miss
avoid
noun
Definition
A large amount of money or wealth, or the idea of fate and luck that affects people's lives.
Example
She inherited a fortune from her grandparents.
Conversation
I heard that Sam just won a small fortune in the lottery.
No way! That’s incredible news for him!
Yeah, he always joked about how it would change his life.
transitive verb
Definition
To give someone wealth or good luck, often used in an old-fashioned context.
Example
The old man fortune his children with a large inheritance.
Tense Forms
Past: fortuned
Past Participle: fortuned
Conversation
I heard you fortune that new job opportunity last week.
Yeah, I was really excited about it!
Do you think they will fortune you well if you get it?
Root Explanation
Fortune is derived from the Latin word "fortuna" (meaning chance or luck). The word originally referred to the concept of fate or luck that influences human affairs.
Memory Tip
Think of 'fortune' as relating to 'chance' or 'luck' — it helps you remember that fortune often refers to the unpredictable nature of life.
Visually Confused Words
unfortune
infortune
befortune
prefortune
misfortune
malfortune
foreturn