fortune
FOR-choon
/ˈfɔːrtʃuːn/
A large amount of money or assets.
Can refer to a very large sum of money, often implying inherited wealth or a significant windfall. It also carries the broader meaning of 'luck' or 'chance'.
The story behind the word. The word 'fortune' comes from the Latin 'fortuna,' which meant 'chance' or 'luck.' In ancient Rome, Fortuna was the goddess of luck, destiny, and fate. Over time, the idea of 'good luck' became strongly associated with 'good fortune' in the financial sense – a large amount of money. So, when you speak of a 'fortune,' you're invoking both the idea of chance and a substantial sum of wealth.
Word relationships
- wealth: More general, referring to overall valuable possessions. 'Fortune' often implies a specific large sum of money.
- riches: Often used in plural, can sound more literary or grand.
- bonanza: Specifically refers to a sudden increase in wealth or good luck.
- poverty: The state of being extremely poor.
- destitution: Extreme poverty, lacking means of subsistence.
Commonly confused with
- luck: 'Fortune' can mean 'luck', but it also specifically refers to a large sum of money. 'Luck' only refers to chance.
Word family
- fortunate (adjective): Happening by good fortune; lucky.
- unfortunately (adverb): It is unfortunate that.
Collocations
- make a fortune
- inherit a fortune
- cost a fortune
- lose a fortune
- seek one's fortune
Idioms & expressions
- tell one's fortune
- a king's ransom (similar meaning to a large fortune)
Example sentences
- "He inherited a vast fortune from his eccentric aunt, changing his life overnight." Inherited wealth
- "Buying a house in this city costs a fortune, making it difficult for young families." Cost of something
- "By good fortune, they found a parking spot right in front of the building." Figurative use (luck)
Memory hook
A 'FORTUNE' is a 'FOR'tunate 'TUNE' (amount of money) you get by luck. FOR-TUNE = luck money
When not to use
While 'fortune' can mean 'luck,' be careful in contexts where you specifically mean 'a large sum of money.' The context usually clarifies, but ambiguity can arise. Don't use it for small amounts of money.
Fun facts
- The Wheel of Fortune, a common motif in medieval and Renaissance art, symbolizes the capricious nature of fate and the rise and fall of human fortunes.
Explore more words
fortuitous, fluke, capital, serendipity, providential, asset
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