fortuitous
Happening by chance in a lucky or beneficial way
Examples
In a meeting
“Running into the CEO at the conference was fortuitous—we had a great conversation.”
Over coffee
“It was fortuitous that you called; I was just thinking about you.”
Why this word
lucky
lucky implies good fortune, while fortuitous means happening by chance or accident, not necessarily with positive connotation
accidental
accidental means unintentional, while fortuitous emphasizes happening by chance, often with fortunate timing
coincidental
coincidental means occurring together by chance, while fortuitous emphasizes the fortunate or lucky nature of the chance occurrence
Usage tip
Use for positive coincidences. Don't use for planned good fortune—it must involve chance.
Etymology
Latin: fortuitus from fors (chance, luck) — 'happening by chance'
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Related words
synchronize
Make things happen at the same time or work together
precede
To come before something in time, order, or position
impending
About to happen soon, often with negative implications
premature
Occurring before the appropriate or expected time
backburner
To postpone or give lower priority to something
imminent
About to happen very soon