vicissitude
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “vicissitude” mean?
noun.a change of fortunes or circumstances, typically one that is unwelcome or unpleasant.
SAT Usage
vicissitude is often found in passages discussing themes of change, resilience, or the unpredictability of life. It emphasizes not only the inevitability of change but also the often unwelcome nature of such shifts, distinguishing it from similar terms like "transition," which may not carry the same negative connotation.
Common Confusions
Vicissitude implies an unwelcome or negative change in circumstances, while transition usually suggests a neutral or positive shift from one state to another.
Example Sentences
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He endured every vicissitude of fortune with quiet dignity.
Word Parts: How to Remember “vicissitude”
Break “vicissitude” into its parts: -vic- (change, turn). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Root:
-vic-change, turn (Latin)