fortune

Everyday

1. A very large amount of money: «That car cost a fortune». tree →
2. Luck, good or bad, especially luck that affects your life: «good fortune». tree →
3. What will happen to a person in the future: «tell someone's fortune». tree →

In the lessons

In stories heroes «seek their fortune» (go out into the world to become rich and happy). «A fortune teller» says she can see the future — in real life nobody can. Phrases: «cost a fortune», «make a fortune», «good fortune», «by good fortune», «fortune cookie».

Examples

• The pirates hoped to find a fortune in gold. tree →
• That new phone must have cost a fortune! tree →
• By good fortune, it stopped raining just before the race. tree →
• Jack left home to seek his fortune. tree →
• The fortune teller said I would travel far. tree →
• My fortune cookie said, "Kindness brings joy." tree →
• She made a fortune selling her inventions. tree →
• It is most extraordinary good fortune." tree →

Note

«Fortune» meaning luck is uncountable. «A fortune» means lots of money (often exaggerated: «cost a fortune» = very expensive). Adjective: fortunate (lucky); unfortunate (unlucky). Fortune telling is not science; it cannot really predict the future.

In Jewish tradition

It is good luck. Leah says it at the birth of Gad, whose name means "luck." It also means a person's condition in life, as when God changed Job's fortune. In Isaiah "Fortune" is the name of a false god of luck.

Interpretation. Leah's naming of Gad is read as her joy at having another son. God restoring Job's fortune after he prayed for his friends is read as a reward for his kindness. Isaiah scolds those who set a table for "Fortune," as trusting luck instead of God.

Examples

• And Leah said: 'Fortune is come!' And she called his name Gad. (Torah GEN.30.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• And the LORD changed the fortune of Job, when he prayed for his friends; and the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. (Writings JOB.42.10, JPS 1917) tree →
• But ye that forsake the LORD, that forget My holy mountain, that prepare a table for Fortune, and that offer mingled wine in full measure unto Destiny, (Prophets ISA.65.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

«Fortune» meaning luck is uncountable. «A fortune» means lots of money (often exaggerated: «cost a fortune» = very expensive). Adjective: fortunate (lucky); unfortunate (unlucky). Fortune telling is not science; it cannot really predict the future.