FORTUNE


Meaning of FORTUNE in English

/ ˈfɔːtʃuːn; NAmE ˈfɔːrtʃ-/ noun

1.

[ U ] chance or luck, especially in the way it affects people's lives :

I have had the good fortune to work with some brilliant directors.

By a stroke of fortune he found work almost immediately.

Fortune smiled on me (= I had good luck) .

➡ note at luck

2.

[ C ] a large amount of money :

He made a fortune in real estate.

She inherited a share of the family fortune.

A car like that costs a small fortune .

You don't have to spend a fortune to give your family tasty, healthy meals.

She is hoping her US debut will be the first step on the road to fame and fortune .

That ring must be worth a fortune .

3.

[ C , usually pl. , U ] the good and bad things that happen to a person, family, country, etc. :

the changing fortunes of the film industry

the fortunes of war

a reversal of fortune(s)

4.

[ C ] a person's fate or future :

She can tell your fortune by looking at the lines on your hand.

IDIOMS

see hostage , seek

—see also soldier of fortune

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WORD ORIGIN

Middle English : via Old French from Latin Fortuna , the name of a goddess personifying luck or chance.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.