Fortuitous

Meaning

Happening by chance, often with favourable outcomes; accidental but lucky.

Origin / Etymology

From Latin 'fortuitus' (happening by chance), from 'fors' (chance). Same root as 'fortune' and 'fortunate'.

Synonyms

Serendipitous Accidental Providential

Antonyms

Deliberate Planned Predestined

Example Sentence

"The early monsoon onset over Kerala on May 24, 2026 was not fortuitous, IMD's tracking of cross-equatorial flow and OLR indicators had presaged it for weeks."

🎯 UPSC Usage

GS3 Environment / Essay: Use carefully, 'fortuitous' implies chance, while 'serendipitous' implies a happy accident. Distinguish from 'fortunate' (lucky) and 'inevitable' (preordained).

Relevant Subjects

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