Spanish word

vicisitud

Pronunciation

IPA/biθisiˈtuð/

Meaning

  • feminine nounups and downs

Example

Acepta las vicisitudes de la vida.

Accept the ups and downs of life.

Illustration for vicisitud (ups and downs)

More examples

Hay que afrontar las vicisitudes con calma.

You must face the ups and downs calmly.

Core concept

A road with alternating smooth and rough stretches.

Common phrases

  • las vicisitudes de la vida

    the ups and downs of life

  • aceptar las vicisitudes

    accept the ups and downs

  • afrontar las vicisitudes

    face the ups and downs

Similar words

altibajo: Fluctuating highs and lows in work or daily life.
vaivén: Back-and-forth movement or change between two states.
contratiempo: A minor setback or mishap that disrupts plans.
bache: A temporary rough patch or downturn in progress.

Definition in Spanish

Indica cambios y altibajos sucesivos en la vida o en una situación.

Word origin

From Latin vicis 'change, turn' via medieval Latin vicissitūdō and Old French vicissitude into Spanish, originally meaning successive alternations or changes.

Usage tips

  • A somewhat formal, often written word that commonly appears in the plural (las vicisitudes), so altibajos or cambios are more natural in casual speech.

Other meanings

  • twists and turnsnoun
  • changes of fortunenoun

Opposites

Word lists with this word