The English language is rich with descriptive adjectives, one of which is fortuitous. Often used to describe events that happen by chance in a fortunate or lucky way, this word adds elegance and precision to writing. However, learners and even native speakers sometimes wonder whether fortuitous has a verb form and how it can be used actively in sentences. To fully explore this topic, it’s important to understand not just the meaning of fortuitous,” but also how English transforms adjectives into verbs, if at all possible, and what alternatives exist.
Understanding the Word “Fortuitous”
“Fortuitous” is an adjective. It originates from the Latin wordfortuitus, meaning by chance or accidental. In English usage, it typically refers to something that happens unexpectedly and brings a positive result. Over time, the word has come to imply a happy accident or a lucky event, though its strictest definition merely refers to something that happens by chance.
- ExampleTheir meeting was entirely fortuitous, yet it changed both of their lives.
- ExampleIt was a fortuitous coincidence that the doctor was nearby when the accident happened.
As you can see from the examples, “fortuitous” modifies nouns to express the chance nature of the event. But can it be used in a verb form? This is where it becomes a more complex grammatical topic.
Does “Fortuitous” Have a Verb Form?
Strictly speaking, “fortuitous” does not have a direct verb form in standard English. It is not a verb and does not transform into one following common conjugation rules. There is no form such as “fortuitize” or “fortuit” that is officially recognized in any major dictionary as a valid verb. This means you cannot say He fortuitoused into the room or She fortuitizing her day.
Why Doesn’t It Have a Verb Form?
English adjectives don’t always have direct verb counterparts. Many adjectives are descriptive and static, meaning they describe a condition or quality rather than an action. Because “fortuitous” describes the nature of an event rather than initiating an action, it remains in adjective form only.
Alternative Verb Forms and Expressions
Even though “fortuitous” doesn’t have a direct verb form, there are many ways to express the same or similar ideas using verbs that capture the concept of chance, luck, or serendipity. Below are some useful alternatives.
1. “Happen” or “Occur”
These verbs can be used to describe events that take place, especially by chance.
- It happened that we arrived at the same time.
- The incident occurred just as we were leaving.
2. “Stumble Upon” or “Come Across”
These phrasal verbs often suggest a lucky or accidental discovery.
- She stumbled upon a rare coin while cleaning the attic.
- He came across a great investment opportunity by accident.
3. “Coincide” or “Intersect”
These verbs describe situations where two events happen at the same time, often by chance.
- Our interests coincided during the project.
- Their paths intersected at a conference in London.
4. “Encounter” or “Run Into”
These verbs are frequently used when people meet unexpectedly.
- I encountered my former teacher at the market.
- They ran into each other while traveling abroad.
How to Use “Fortuitous” Effectively
Although you can’t conjugate “fortuitous” into a verb, you can still use it effectively in various grammatical constructions. Below are examples that show how “fortuitous” works in both spoken and written English.
In Descriptive Sentences
- It was a fortuitous decision that led to unexpected success.
- The fortuitous discovery of the manuscript saved the historian’s career.
In Complex Sentences
- They arrived at the exact moment the storm ended, which was quite fortuitous.
- Though their partnership was fortuitous, it turned out to be highly profitable.
Related Words and Synonyms
To add variety to your vocabulary, consider using synonyms or related adjectives and verbs when “fortuitous” feels too formal or abstract.
Adjectives Similar to “Fortuitous”
- Lucky
- Serendipitous
- Unplanned
- Unexpected
- Chanced
Verbs That Convey Similar Ideas
- To chance upon
- To encounter
- To happen across
- To befall
- To strike (as in “luck struck him”)
Common Misunderstandings
Some people mistakenly believe that fortuitous means fortunate or lucky in all contexts. While it often has a positive tone, its primary meaning is related to chance, not necessarily good fortune. It can describe both fortunate and unfortunate chance events, though it is most often used positively in modern English.
- CorrectIt was a fortuitous meeting that led to a new job.
- Correct (neutral)The collapse of the building was a fortuitous result of weak infrastructure.
Transforming Adjectives into Verbs in English
Though “fortuitous” itself has no verb form, it’s worth noting that English does sometimes allow for the creation of verbs from other parts of speech. For example
- Modern (adj) → Modernize (verb)
- Symbol (noun) → Symbolize (verb)
- Global (adj) → Globalize (verb)
Using this pattern, one might think of fortuitize as a possible verb form. However, this is not a recognized or standard word in English dictionaries. Therefore, it is best to avoid using such neologisms unless writing creatively or in an experimental context.
In summary, the adjective “fortuitous” does not have an official or commonly accepted verb form. While you cannot use it as a verb, you can still express similar meanings using established verbs like happen, encounter, stumble upon, or coincide. In writing and speech, “fortuitous” is best used to describe lucky or chance-based events, especially in a formal or academic context. By understanding how to work around its limitations and employ appropriate synonyms and alternative constructions, speakers and writers can effectively communicate the idea of fortunate coincidence without needing to force a nonexistent verb form.