Fortunately

Part of speech: adverb

Pronunciation: /ˈfɔː.t͡ʃə.nɪt.li/

Definitions

1. By good luck, an event occurs that brings happiness or relief
2. Happily, something happens that is favored by chance or fortune
3. By chance that results in a positive outcome, bringing relief or happiness

Etymology: Fortunately is a plain formation: the adjective "fortunate" with the adverb-making suffix "-ly" attached. The suffix has a long lineage of its own. It descends from a Proto-Germanic form meaning "body" or "form," which passed through Old English as "-līċe," and it gradually became the common way of turning adjectives into adverbs. Its ultimate ancestor is the same root that gives English "like," which is why "-ly" and "like" are close relatives. The adjective underneath is the more interesting half. "Fortunate" comes from the Latin "fortunatus," meaning "favoured by fortune," and it traces back to "fortuna," the Roman goddess of chance and luck. The goddess's name derives from the Latin word for "chance" or "fate," so the whole chain is built around the idea of luck as something that arrives from outside a person's control. Fortunately therefore means, literally, "in a fortunate manner." Its meaning has stayed close to that sense, describing an outcome that turns out well through chance rather than design.

Synonyms: luckily, happily, providentially, blessedly, advantageously

Antonyms: unfortunately, tragically, disastrously, unluckily, regrettably