SOLDIER FORTUNE Meaning and
Definition
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A soldier of fortune refers to an individual who engages in military or paramilitary activities in exchange for financial gain or personal profit. This term, often used in a colloquial and historic context, encapsulates someone who pursues their military career for monetary benefits, rather than out of a sense of duty, loyalty, or patriotism.
The concept of a soldier of fortune dates back to ancient times, but it gained prominence during the Renaissance and continued through the 18th and 19th centuries. In these periods, mercenaries were common, and many individuals chose to participate in wars and conflicts as soldiers of fortune to earn money or enhance their social status.
Soldiers of fortune often operated independently or as part of mercenary companies, offering their military expertise to different governments or factions for a fee. They were frequently involved in local or foreign conflicts, where they had the potential to receive substantial sums of money for their services.
While the term "soldier of fortune" can have romantic connotations, it also carries implications of opportunism and a lack of allegiance. Soldiers of fortune may be seen as individuals motivated primarily by money, with less concern for the moral or political considerations attached to the conflicts they participate in.
Today, the term still holds relevance in literature, history, and popular culture, often representing the archetype of a soldier motivated solely by personal gain, disregarding the conventional notion of a traditional soldier serving their country with honor and loyalty.
Common Misspellings for SOLDIER FORTUNE
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Etymology of SOLDIER FORTUNE
The term "soldier of fortune" or "man of fortune" originated in the 16th century and is derived from the fusion of two words: "soldier" and "fortune".
1. Soldier: The word "soldier" comes from the Latin word "solidus", which means "one who serves". In Latin, the term "solidus" referred specifically to a bodyguard or a professional Roman soldier.
2. Fortune: The word "fortune" originated from the Latin word "fortuna", which denotes "luck" or "chance". In ancient Rome, it was believed that people's lives were determined by the whims of the goddess Fortuna, who controlled both good and bad luck.
When these two words merged, "soldier of fortune" came to represent a soldier who actively sought out employment or service in various armies or military campaigns.
