What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
hap
Example
It was mere hap that I found my lost keys in the park. [hap: noun]
Example
I happened upon a rare book at the thrift store. [happened: verb]
fortune
Example
He inherited a large fortune from his grandfather. [fortune: noun]
Example
She had the good fortune to win the lottery. [fortune: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fortune is more commonly used than hap in everyday language. Fortune is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while hap is less common and may be considered archaic in some contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between hap and fortune?
Both hap and fortune can be used in formal and informal contexts, but fortune is more commonly used in formal settings due to its wider range of meanings and associations with wealth and success.
