Mischance: meaning, definitions and examples

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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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "mischance" in other languages:

🇵🇹 desgraça

🇮🇳 अभागा

🇩🇪 Unglück

🇮🇩 kemalangan

🇺🇦 нещастя

🇵🇱 nieszczęście

🇯🇵 不幸

🇫🇷 malheur

🇪🇸 desgracia

🇹🇷 talihsizlik

🇰🇷 불행

🇸🇦 مصيبة

🇨🇿 neštěstí

🇸🇰 nešťastie

🇨🇳 厄运

🇸🇮 nesreča

🇮🇸 óheppni

🇰🇿 бақытсыздық

🇬🇪 უღირსობა

🇦🇿 bəxtsizlik

🇲🇽 desgracia

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.