Adjective
/fuɾˈtito/
The term "fortuito" refers to something that occurs by chance or accidentally, rather than by intention or design. In legal contexts, it often describes events not caused by any party’s action or negligence, thus outside their control. It is frequently used both in oral and written forms, especially in legal documents, contracts, and informal conversations.
The frequency of use is moderately high, as it provides a precise description of accidental events in both everyday language and legal terminology.
El accidente fue fortuito y no se pudo evitar.
The accident was fortuitous and could not be avoided.
El hallazgo de la pintura antigua fue completamente fortuito.
The discovery of the ancient painting was completely accidental.
Las cláusulas fortuitas en el contrato pueden causar confusiones.
The fortuitous clauses in the contract can cause misunderstandings.
The term "fortuito" is commonly found in idiomatic expressions, particularly in contexts where chance or unintended consequences are discussed. Here are several expressions:
Ejemplo: Tuve un encuentro fortuito con un viejo amigo en el mercado.
I had a chance encounter with an old friend at the market.
Fortuito y feliz.
Fortuitous and happy.
Ejemplo: Fue un descubrimiento fortuito y feliz cuando encontré la receta familiar.
It was a fortuitous and happy discovery when I found the family recipe.
Eventos fortuitos.
Fortuitous events.
Ejemplo: Los eventos fortuitos pueden cambiar el rumbo de una historia.
Fortuitous events can change the course of a story.
Suerte fortuita.
Fortuitous luck.
Ejemplo: Su vida cambió gracias a una suerte fortuita cuando ganó el concurso.
His life changed thanks to fortuitous luck when he won the contest.
Una coincidencia fortuita.
A fortuitous coincidence.
The word "fortuito" comes from the Latin "fortuitus", which means "happened by chance", derived from "fors" meaning "chance" or "fate". It indicates an occurrence that is unpredictable and not intended.