what is the difference between "lucky" and "fortunate"?

[Pidmap]

hi all, i'm newbie i have a trouble in discussing with my friend.
he says there's no difference between "lucky" and "fortunate"
but i dont think so, i think if there are more than 1 words with the same meaning, they must have had difference, for example, the differences of the situation we use, or this word is preferred than the other in some locations... etc.
can anybody please help me clarify it ?
ta in advance, please dont laugh at me cuz my english is not really good, i'd 've made some mistakes, i guess

[Alan]

Hi,

'Lucky' suggests that something good or beneficial has happened as in: You were lucky you chose that horse in the race because it came in first. It was lucky that I took my umbrella because it started to rain as soon as I left the house. 'Fortunate' has very much the same idea but is used in a more 'serious' sense when talking of more important benefits as in: It was fortunate that his parents had enough money to help him start his business. She regards herself as a fortunate woman becauase her children have been able to support her during her presenr crisis.

Alan
_________________
English as a Second Language
You can read my ESL story Passive Voice

[Pidmap]

thank Alan so much for such a quick reply