What is fortune? Pronunciation and usage in English

fortune means . Learn how to pronounce and use fortune through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of fortune

fortunenoun

/ˈfɔːtʃuːn//ˈfɔːtʃ(ə)n/
Definition & pronunciation of fortune

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "fortune" in English. It can be a tricky one! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈfɔːr.tʃuːn/ (Rhymes with "burn")

Let's break it down syllable by syllable:

  1. "for": Pronounced like the word "for" - as in, "for you." The "o" sound is relatively short.

  2. "ch": This is the tricky part! It's pronounced like the "ch" in "church" or "chair". It's a soft, breathy "ch" sound.

  3. "u": Pronounced like the "u" in "tune" or "blue."

  4. "n": Pronounced like the "n" in "run."

Tips for getting it right:

  • Don't say "for-tune" like you’re saying "fortune cookie." That's a common mistake.
  • Focus on the 'ch' sound. Really try to get that breathy, almost voiceless "ch" sound.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to hear it is to listen to native speakers. Here are a few resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce fortune" on Google and listen to the audio examples.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/fortune/ – This website has pronunciations from native speakers around the world.

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you some more example words with similar sounds?

Usage and examples with the word fortune in English

Let's break down how to use the word "fortune" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different meanings! Here's a breakdown, grouped by how it's commonly used:

1. As a large amount of money (Most Common)

  • Meaning: This is the most frequent usage. It refers to a substantial sum of money, often unexpectedly or through good luck.
  • Examples:
    • "He struck it rich and had a great fortune."
    • "The wealthy family inherited a vast fortune."
    • "The company's success led to a sudden fortune."
    • "She spent her entire fortune on charity."

2. Luck or Fate

  • Meaning: “Fortune” can represent luck, destiny, or the course of events. It’s often used in a more poetic or symbolic way.
  • Examples:
    • "It was a matter of fortune that I was at the right place at the right time." (lucky coincidence)
    • "They believed their marriage was blessed by fortune." (suggesting a fortunate, happy outcome)
    • “Despite all his efforts, he was at the mercy of fortune.” (meaning his fate was uncertain)

3. A Prophecy or Prediction (Traditional/Old-Fashioned)

  • Meaning: Historically, "fortune" referred to a written prediction of what will happen, often by a soothsayer or fortune teller. This usage is less common today but still appears in literature and older contexts.
  • Examples:
    • "She consulted a fortune teller to learn about her future.”
    • "The ancient scrolls contained prophecies of fortune."

4. A Good Outcome or Success (Figurative)

  • Meaning: Can be used to describe a positive result or favorable situation, even if it’s not directly about money.
  • Examples:
    • "I'm hoping for a good fortune in the job interview." (meaning a successful outcome)
    • "The project brought them a great fortune in terms of recognition." (meaning success and praise)

5. As a Noun Phrase (Referring to a person or thing associated with wealth)

  • Meaning: You might hear phrases like "a man of fortune" or "a woman of fortune." This refers to someone who has acquired wealth.
  • Examples:
    • "He was a man of fortune, known for his business acumen."

Key Considerations & Tips:

  • Context is crucial: Pay attention to how "fortune" is used in the sentence to understand its meaning.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like wealth, riches, prosperity, luck, or destiny depending on the specific shade of meaning you want to convey.

Resources for Further Learning:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use "fortune" in a specific context (e.g., business, literature)?
  • Explain how "fortune" differs from related words like "luck" or "wealth"?

Synonyms for the word fortune

Idioms of the word fortune

a hostage to fortune
something that you have, or have promised to do, that could cause trouble or worry in the future
    seek your fortune
    (literary)to try to find a way to become rich, especially by going to another place
    • Many emigrated to Australia to seek their fortune.

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