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fortuitous Definition

for·tui·tous (fôr to̵̅o̅′ə təs, -tyo̵̅o̅′-)

adjective

  1. happening by chance; accidental
  2. bringing, or happening by, good luck; fortunate

Etymology: L fortuitus < forte, by chance < fors (gen. fortis), chance, luck < IE *bhtis < base *bher-, to bring > bear

fortuitous Related Forms
for·tu′i·tously adverb for·tu′i·tous·ness noun
fortuitous Synonyms

fortuitous

modif.

accidental, chance, serendipitous; see accidental. See syn. study at accidental.

fortuitous Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • coincidence: The close correspondence between these two figures is not a fortuitous coincidence.
  • timing: Or there's Dewey, the idiot cop who has arrived in town with curiously fortuitous timing.
  • discovery: But for a translated poem to work the same fortuitous discoveries of sound and of alignments of image need to occur.
  • circumstance: Their attacking outlook soon paid dividends, albeit in somewhat fortuitous circumstances.
  • combination: My major argument is that the upsurge of the terrorist movement in this region was caused by a fortuitous combination of two factors.
  • meeting: A fortuitous meeting has got me back on the solo gig trail in the UK too.

Modifying Another Word

  • purely: Whether this coincidence of location is purely fortuitous remains unclear.
  • somewhat: Rugby took a customary and somewhat fortuitous early lead after thirteen minutes.
  • rather: United resumed their earlier pressure and midway through the half came close to a rather fortuitous opener.
  • quite: In addition to the increased budget, the team were given more time to complete filming, which turned out to be quite fortuitous.
  • very: A very fortuitous ricochet fell to Hogg only 5 yards from goal.
  • not: The growth of imperialism in Europe is not fortuitous.

Used with adjective complement

  • prove: A helping hand from the crossing lady may prove fortuitous Aquarius Make sure you stretch well this week.