Words / A2

FORCH-uh-n-uh-tlee/ˈfɔːtʃənətli/

Fortunately means luckily: fortunately the shop was open; fortunately nobody was hurt. Unfortunately is the opposite. Fortunate is the adjective (we were fortunate). Lucky is a simpler cousin. Do not use fortunately as an adjective before a noun (not “a fortunately day”).

Meaning

Happily; because of good luck.

Examples

• “Fortunately, the chemist was still open.”
• “Fortunately, the next bus came in five minutes.”
• “Fortunately she had packed her heater for the cold hostel.”

Good to know

fortunately = luckily. Opposite: unfortunately. Adjective: fortunate. Cousin: lucky.

Near in meaning

luckily

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