fortuitous
/fɔːˈtjuːɪtəs/
Group 21Difficulty 2/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Happening by accident or chance rather than design; happening by a lucky chance GRE
Example in Context
The fortuitous discovery of the manuscript in an attic revolutionized scholars' understanding of the medieval period.
Synonyms
luckyaccidentalchance
Etymology
Relates to events that happen by chance, often unexpectedly.
- fortuitus (Latin) — accidental
Memory Aid
🍀Sounds like “fortuitous sounds like 'fortunate us'”
When we found a treasure map, it was FORTUITOUS for us — we hit the jackpot!
Visual Association
🎉Two friends discovering a hidden treasure chest on a random beach, celebrating their luck.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “fortuitous” mean on the GRE?
fortuitous (adjective) means “Happening by accident or chance rather than design; happening by a lucky chance”. The fortuitous discovery of the manuscript in an attic revolutionized scholars' understanding of the medieval period.
How to remember “fortuitous” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “fortuitous” sounds like “fortuitous sounds like 'fortunate us'”. When we found a treasure map, it was FORTUITOUS for us — we hit the jackpot!
What are synonyms for “fortuitous”?
Common synonyms: lucky, accidental, chance.