fortunate

Having good things happen to you because of luck.

• We are fortunate to have you.
• He was fortunate enough to escape injury.
• How fortunate you are to live here!

How to use it: fortunate to do something (We were fortunate to find a room.); fortunate in something (She was fortunate in her choice of friends.)

Similar words: lucky

Opposites: unfortunate, unlucky

Common phrases: fortunate enough, fortunate to have, fortunate in something

Happening by chance and bringing a good result.

• It was a fortunate coincidence.
• A fortunate accident led us to the missing letter.
• It is fortunate that the rain stopped before the match.

How to use it: it is fortunate that… (It is fortunate that nobody was hurt.)

Similar words: lucky, favorable

Opposites: unfortunate

Common phrases: fortunate coincidence, fortunate accident, fortunate timing

Suggesting that something good will happen or that a future event will succeed.

• They saw the rainbow as a fortunate sign.
• Clear skies seemed a fortunate omen for their journey.
• Such a peaceful beginning was considered fortunate.

Similar words: auspicious, promising

Opposites: inauspicious

Common phrases: fortunate sign, fortunate omen