fortuito
fortuitous
adjective for-TWEE-toh Rare
Origin: Latin fortuitus (by chance).
Also means
accidental
Usage Note
Fortuito describes something that happens by chance rather than by design — not necessarily lucky, just unplanned (encuentro fortuito = 'chance encounter'). It is a false cognate for English 'fortuitous', which has gained a 'fortunate' sense in English; the Spanish word carries no positive connotation.
Examples
"El hallazgo fue completamente fortuito."
Natural Translation
The discovery was completely fortuitous.
Related Words
Explore Spanish by topic