fortuna vs casus
Latin word comparison
Listen to fortuna
Listen to casus
| fortuna | casus |
|---|---|
for-TU-na noun | ka-sus noun |
| fortune; luck; chance; what happens by fate or circumstance | accident; chance occurrence; misfortune |
How they differ
Casus points to an event that happens by chance, often with the sense of an accident or setback. Fortuna can cover the broader idea of luck itself, including favorable fortune, not only an event that happens.
When to use each
When to use fortuna: Use fortuna when you mean luck or fortune in a broad sense, especially as a condition or power.
When to use casus: Use casus when you mean an accidental event, often one that turns out badly.
Side-by-side examples
- Fortuna nobis favit.
(Fortune favored us.) - Casu id accidit.
(That happened by chance.)
Register & nuance: Casus is neutral to literary and is especially natural when stressing happenstance or accidental occurrence.