fortunately

[ fawr-chuh-nit-lee ]

adverb

1. it is fortunate that:

   The groceries cost more than I thought they would, but fortunately I had just enough money with me.

fortunately

/ ˈfɔːtʃənɪtlɪ /

adverb

1. sentence modifier it is fortunate that; luckily
2. in a fortunate manner

Word History and Origins

Origin of fortunately¹

First recorded in 1540–60; fortunate ( def ) + -ly ( def )

Example Sentences

“We are — I guess fortunately and unfortunately — the biggest player in the county,” said Stephen Watson, the executive director of the council.

From Los Angeles Times

I’ll drop my votes in the mailbox on election day — taking all the time fortunately allotted.

From Los Angeles Times

I was trying to get way off the base, and fortunately I didn’t have to run very hard.”

From Los Angeles Times

Less fortunately, both factors can act to speed fire spread and promote pyrocumulus formation.

From Los Angeles Times

Over the years, he had fortunately also stored many pieces there.

From BBC