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Mischance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mischance

[ˈmɪs.tʃæns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

bad luck

Mischance refers to an unfortunate or unlucky event or occurrence. It denotes a situation or incident that is caused by an accident or happens unexpectedly, often resulting in negative consequences.

Synonyms

adversity, bad luck, misadventure, misfortune.

Examples of usage

  • She faced much mischance while traveling in a foreign country.
  • His career was derailed by a series of mischance incidents.
  • Mischance seemed to follow him wherever he went.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters often face mischance, leading to dramatic twists in the story.
  • The concept of mischance is explored deeply in classical tragedies where fate plays a pivotal role.
  • In modern literature, authors use mischance to drive the plot and develop characters through unexpected events.

Psychology

  • People often blame mischance for personal setbacks, which can affect their motivation.
  • Understanding mischance can lead to better coping strategies, helping individuals bounce back from unexpected events.
  • Cognitive biases may lead individuals to perceive events as more unfortunate than they truly are.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, mischance often serves as a catalyst for change, instigating character growth or plot development.
  • Comedic films frequently utilize mischance, leading to humorous situations that resonate with audiences.
  • Songs and literature frequently reference mischance as a relatable human experience, connecting with themes of resilience.

Philosophy

  • Various philosophical traditions explore the concept of chance, including whether it plays a role in human lives.
  • The study of mischance prompts discussions about fate versus free will, intriguing thinkers for centuries.
  • Existentialists often argue that mischance reflects the absurdity of life, sparking deeper reflections on existence.

Origin of 'mischance'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French term 'mescheance', which means misfortune or ill luck.
  • It traces back to the Latin word 'mala fortuna', illustrating a long history of describing bad luck.
  • Many words related to bad fortune share this root, highlighting cultural views on luck and fate.

The term 'mischance' comes from the Middle English 'mischance' or 'meschance', which means misfortune. It is derived from the Old French 'meschance', itself built from 'mes-', a prefix meaning 'wrongly' or 'badly', and 'chance,' which refers to fortune or luck. The gradual evolution of the word reflects the human experience with luck and the unexpected nature of life events. Historically, it has carried connotations of fate or destiny gone awry, conceptualizing life as a series of chances, where some lead to success and others to misfortune. This duality of fortune is evident in various languages and cultures, highlighting a universal understanding of the capriciousness of luck.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,782, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.