Overview

Episode Theme:
This episode of the Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day podcast explores the word "fortuitous"—its origins, definitions, and nuanced usage in modern English. Host Peter Sokolowski gives listeners a deep dive into the term, highlighting its etymology, how its meaning has evolved over time, and current debates surrounding its use.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Definition and Usage

• Primary Definition

  • "Fortuitous" is an adjective.
  • Original sense: Happening by chance.
  • Modern sense: Usually describes something that happens by a lucky chance; can also mean fortunate or lucky.

• Example in Context

  • "Here's the word used in a sentence from Billboard: The timing of the hit's resurgence proved fortuitous. She had nearly wrapped the recording for 2025 full-length Pressure, and the scorching hot single provided a push in the lead up." [00:32]

Etymology and Historical Usage

• The word derives from Latin:
  • "Its Latin forbear, 'fortuitus', shares the same ancient root as the Latin word for chance." [00:32]
• Originally, "fortuitous" meant simply happening by chance, without implying good or bad luck.

Evolution of Meaning

• The meaning has evolved, partly due to its sound:
  • "The fact that 'fortuitous' sounds like a blend of 'fortunate' and 'felicitous', meaning 'happily suited to an occasion', likely led to a second meaning of 'fortunate and lucky'." [00:32]
• "The seeds of the newer sense were perhaps planted by writers applying overtones of good fortune to something that is a random occurrence." [00:32]

Usage Controversy

• Criticism of new meaning:

  • "The lucky use has been disparaged by critics, but it is now well established." [00:32]
  • The podcast notes that while some may still object to this usage, it is widely accepted now.

• Wry usage note:

  • "Irregardless, employing this sense in sterner company may be considered chancy." [00:32]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the word's transformation:
  "Its Latin forbear, 'fortuitus', shares the same ancient root as the Latin word for chance. But the fact that 'fortuitous' sounds like a blend of 'fortunate' and 'felicitous'... likely led to a second meaning of fortunate and lucky." — Peter Sokolowski [00:32]

• On word criticism:
  "The lucky use has been disparaged by critics, but it is now well established." — Peter Sokolowski [00:32]

• On language change:
  "Irregardless, employing this sense in sterner company may be considered chancy." — Peter Sokolowski [00:32]

Timestamps of Important Segments

• Word announcement and definition: [00:32]
• Example sentence from Billboard: [00:32]
• Etymology and explanation of meaning change: [00:32–01:40]
• Discussion of criticism and modern acceptance: [00:58–01:50]
• Host sign-off: [02:07]

Additional Resources

• For more word explorations:
  "Visit merriam-webster.com today for definitions, wordplay and trending word lookups." [02:07]

Summary:
The episode provides a brief but insightful look at "fortuitous," tracing its journey from “happening by chance” to “fortunate,” easing listener anxiety over using the new sense, and ultimately celebrating the dynamic flexibility of English.