French word

heureusement

Pronunciation

IPA/øʁøzəmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adverbfortunately

Example

Il a heureusement trouvé ses clés.

Fortunately, he found his keys.

Illustration for heureusement (fortunately)

More examples

Heureusement pour moi, le train est arrivé à l'heure.

Fortunately for me, the train arrived on time.

Core concept

An unexpected piece of good fortune that removes a worry from the situation.

Common phrases

  • heureusement pour moi

    fortunately for me

Similar words

heureusement que: A conversational expression that gives the reason for being relieved.
par chance: Through accidental good fortune, the outcome turns out well.
tant mieux: An expression showing relief and satisfaction with the outcome.

Definition in French

Indique qu'un événement est favorable ou qu'un danger a été évité, employé pour signaler la chance ou le soulagement.

Word origin

Heureusement is the adverbial form of heureux, with -ment added to an adjective; heureux comes through Old French eureus from Latin augurium.

Usage tips

  • In Heureusement que + a clause, the clause normally uses the indicative, as in Heureusement qu'il a trouvé ses clés.

Other meanings

  • thankfullyadverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word