fortune - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
fortune Word Meanings
- chance or luck in life
- wealth or riches
- a future outcome or fate
fortune Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
fortune Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfɔːtʃuːn/
US
/ˈfɔrtʃən/
fortune Word Etymology
Fortune comes from 'fortuna' (Latin) meaning 'fortune or luck'. Visualize a wheel of fortune spinning, determining fate.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my hand on the door, push it open, and step into the street with a held breath and a small spark of courage. The day moves around me—plans shift, a bus arrives late, and I adjust my route on the fly. With every turn I keep my pace steady, deciding what to take and what to leave behind. At sunset the outcome arrives as a quiet fortune—maybe a new connection, maybe a saved coin, something that feels earned rather than given.
Real Context
Fortune refers to outcomes determined by luck or chance, or to wealth and riches, or to a future fate. In everyday use, we speak of good fortune when things go our way, or of misfortune when bad luck happens. People also say make one's fortune to become rich through effort or by chance, and to be fortunate can mean having favorable circumstances. The wheel of fortune is a classic metaphor for fate turning as life unfolds. Learners should note that fortune can be countable when talking about a specific amount of money (a fortune) and uncountable when referring to general luck (good fortune) or misfortune. Common collocations include fortune favors the bold and strike it rich.
Usage Reminders
- Think about wealth vs luck; use a fortune for money, good fortune for luck.
- Use misfortune for bad luck, and fate for destiny in literary contexts.
- Remember common collocations: fortune favors the bold, make a fortune, strike it rich.
- Avoid replacing fortune with luck in formal contexts about money.
- When talking about fate, consider borrowing phrases like fate or destiny instead of fortune.
Common Misconceptions
- Fortune only means money and nothing else.
- Fortune and fate are always interchangeable.
- Misfortune is not related to fortune at all.
- Fortune is always countable.
- Fortune cannot be used in idioms.
Thinking Differences
In English thinking, fortune toggles between luck, wealth, and fate with relatively clear cut phrases. Learners should watch for context clues to determine whether fortune means money, luck, or destiny, and remember misfortune is its own opposite term in everyday use.
Learning Tips
- Learn the three core senses: wealth, luck, fate.
- Pair fortune with good fortune, misfortune, and make a fortune.
- Remember the idiom fortune favors the bold.
- Differentiate a fortune (money) from good fortune (luck).
- Use fate or destiny for literary or formal fate concepts.
- Practice with examples across business, storytelling, and everyday life.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'fortune'?
A.Wealth
B.Sadness
C.Car
D.Table
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'fortune' correctly?
A.She was fortunate to win the lottery.
B.He found a fortune in his sandwich.
C.The dog chewed on a fortune cookie.
D.They went on a fortune-telling adventure.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'fortune'?
A.Luck
B.Book
C.Tree
D.Water
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'fortune'?
A.Hope
B.Misfortune
C.Joy
D.Peace
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario of 'fortune'?
A.She found a penny on the street.
B.He won the jackpot in a casino.
C.They went to the beach for a picnic.
D.The cat slept on the windowsill.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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