Here's why:
* Subjectivity: Both words express an opinion about a situation or event. What one person considers fortunate, another might consider unfortunate. For example, winning the lottery is fortunate for some but could be unfortunate for others if it leads to financial ruin.
* Emotional Connotation: These words carry an emotional weight. "Fortunate" implies happiness, satisfaction, or relief, while "unfortunate" suggests sadness, disappointment, or regret.
* Influence on Perception: They evoke specific feelings and can influence how we perceive and interpret events. Using "fortunate" can make a situation seem more positive, while using "unfortunate" can make it seem more negative.
Therefore, "fortunate" and "unfortunate" are not neutral descriptions; they are inherently emotive and convey a subjective evaluation.