vicissitude
Meaning: A change of circumstances or fortune, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant. Almost always used in the plural to describe the ups and downs of life.
Vicissitudes is one of those words that exists almost exclusively in its plural form. 'The vicissitudes of life' or 'the vicissitudes of fortune' are stock phrases describing the unpredictable twists of fate. The word implies that change is inevitable and often harsh, lending a philosophical or stoical quality to the writing. It is a favourite of biographers, historians, and editorial writers.
Examples
- The company survived the vicissitudes of two world wars and a global financial crisis. 该公司在两次世界大战和一场全球金融危机的风雨变迁中存活了下来。La empresa sobrevivió a las vicisitudes de dos guerras mundiales y una crisis financiera global.その会社は2度の世界大戦と世界的な金融危機という変転を乗り越えて生き残った。그 회사는 두 차례의 세계대전과 세계 금융 위기라는 격변을 견뎌내고 살아남았다.
- Despite the many vicissitudes of her career, she emerged as one of the most respected figures in British medicine. 尽管职业生涯经历了诸多波折,她仍成为英国医学界最受尊敬的人物之一。Pese a las muchas vicisitudes de su carrera, surgió como una de las figuras más respetadas de la medicina británica.キャリアにおける幾多の浮き沈みにもかかわらず、彼女はイギリス医学界で最も尊敬される人物の一人として頭角を現した。경력에서 수많은 부침을 겪었음에도 불구하고, 그녀는 영국 의학계에서 가장 존경받는 인물 중 한 사람으로 떠올랐다.
- The old house had weathered the vicissitudes of three centuries with remarkable grace. 这座老宅历经三个世纪的沧桑变迁,依然优雅如故。La vieja casa había resistido las vicisitudes de tres siglos con notable gracia.その古い邸宅は3世紀にわたる変遷を、見事な品格をもって耐え抜いてきた。그 오래된 저택은 3세기에 걸친 세월의 변전을 놀라울 정도의 품격으로 견뎌냈다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: literary, journalism, academic
Tone: reflective
Origin & History
From Latin vicissitudo meaning change or alternation, from vicis (turn, change). Entered English in the late 16th century via French.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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