a fortuitous encounter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fortuitous encounter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an unexpected and fortunate meeting or event that has positive implications. Example: "During my travels, I had a fortuitous encounter with an old friend at the airport, which made my long layover much more enjoyable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

But is a fortuitous encounter that leads to a new business contract pure luck?

Harvard Business Review

Parekh began pitching his idea to venture capitalists and had a fortuitous encounter with Rocket Internet, the digital-focused VC firm with a startup incubator, based in Berlin.

The Guardian

After six months in Chicago she moved to Hollywood, where a fortuitous encounter with the producer Cecil B. DeMille led to work as a movie extra and eventually to a job as a screenwriter.

Encyclopedia Britannica

We take you back to Seattle in the winter of 1996, where a Steve Forbes campaign event provides the setting for a fortuitous encounter between two employees of Bernie's Byte Shack.

The Washington Post

In 2007, I was a regular commenter on some of the early TV live blogs, and a fortuitous encounter with the then media editor gave me the opportunity to pitch for a job.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

In 1942, a fortuitous encounter at Macy's gave the Lavernes a huge career boost: Erwine was shopping for cork place mats to be used instead of linen, and he became disgusted with the selections.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

A Fortuitous Meeting.

Science Magazine

She'd never imagined writing a book, until a fortuitous social encounter with an editor.

Science Magazine

During this fortuitous encounter, the first three satellites measured a threefold surge in the electric current above the aurora within 200 seconds.

Science Magazine

The next week she had another fortuitous encounter, this time with the actor Frank O'Connor, whom she married in 1929.

SEP

Mr. Moverman describes his career as a series of fortuitous encounters, like the one with Mr. Pollack, that turned into opportunities.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fortuitous encounter" to add a touch of sophistication and emphasize the positive, unexpected nature of a meeting or event that leads to a favorable outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "fortuitous" merely to describe any encounter. "Fortuitous" implies that the encounter was not only unplanned but also led to a positive or beneficial outcome. If the outcome is neutral or negative, "unexpected" or "chance" encounter might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fortuitous encounter" functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "fortuitous" modifies the noun "encounter". It describes a specific type of meeting that is both unexpected and beneficial. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing career advancements and unexpected opportunities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fortuitous encounter" describes an unexpected meeting or event that leads to a positive outcome. Grammatically correct and common in usage, the phrase is most frequently found in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides excellent examples of its usage. When employing this phrase, ensure that the encounter was not only unplanned but also led to a significant benefit. Alternative phrases like "a lucky meeting" or "a serendipitous meeting" can be used depending on the nuance you want to convey. Avoiding the error of using "fortuitous" to describe a normal, everyday event is key to accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a serendipitous meeting

Highlights the pleasant surprise and discovery aspect of the encounter.

a fortunate meeting

Stresses the favorable outcome of the meeting.

a lucky meeting

Focuses on the luck aspect, simplifying the tone.

a chance meeting

Emphasizes the unplanned nature of the meeting, omitting the implication of good fortune.

a providential meeting

Implies divine intervention or fate in arranging the meeting.

an unexpected stroke of luck

Shifts the focus from the encounter itself to its beneficial result.

a timely intersection

Underlines the opportune timing of the meeting or event.

a happy coincidence

Highlights the coincidental and positive nature of the event, minimizing the 'encounter' element.

a beneficial convergence

Focuses on the positive coming together of events or circumstances, removing the personal interaction aspect.

a golden opportunity

Highlights the potential benefits and advantages gained from the encounter, not its nature.

FAQs

How can I use "a fortuitous encounter" in a sentence?

You can use "a fortuitous encounter" to describe an unexpected meeting or event that leads to a positive outcome. For example, "Her career breakthrough came after "a fortuitous encounter" with a famous director."

What's a simpler way to say "a fortuitous encounter"?

Alternatives include "a lucky meeting", "a chance meeting", or "a serendipitous meeting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fortuitous" the same as "fortunate"?

"Fortuitous" implies chance or accident, whereas "fortunate" simply means lucky. A "fortunate event" is simply a lucky one, while "a fortuitous encounter" suggests the luck arose from an unplanned meeting.

What kind of events can be described as "a fortuitous encounter"?

This phrase typically describes meetings or events that unexpectedly lead to positive opportunities, career advancements, or beneficial connections. It often involves an element of surprise and good luck.