Gratuitous vs Fortuitous - What's the difference?

As adjectives the difference between gratuitous and fortuitous

is that gratuitous is given freely; unearned while fortuitous is happening by chance; coincidental or accidental.

(en adjective)

Given freely; unearned.

Not called for by the circumstances; uncalled-for; without reason, cause, or proof; adopted or asserted without any good ground; unjustified.

gratuitous violence

* unjustified * groundless * baseless * unfounded * unnecessary

* onerous

* gratuitousness * gratuitous praise * gratuitous violence

* superfluous

* *

(en adjective)

Happening by chance; coincidental or accidental.

Happening by a lucky chance; lucky or fortunate.

(legal) Happening independently of human will.

* fortuitously * fortuitousness