Misfortune describes an unlucky event or a state of hardship that occurs beyond one's control.
30초 단어
- Refers to bad luck or an unfortunate event.
- Often used to describe serious setbacks or hardship.
- More formal than the phrase 'bad luck'.
Overview
Misfortune is a noun that encapsulates the concept of bad luck or an unlucky event. It implies that something negative has happened, often resulting in suffering or a setback. While it can refer to a singular event, it can also describe a state of being where a person is consistently plagued by unfavorable circumstances. 2) Usage Patterns: The word is frequently used with verbs like 'suffer,' 'encounter,' or 'bear.' It is often preceded by adjectives such as 'great,' 'sudden,' or 'personal.' Grammatically, it is an uncountable noun when referring to the state of bad luck, but it can be used in the plural 'misfortunes' when referring to specific, separate incidents of hardship. 3) Common Contexts: You will encounter this term in news reports describing natural disasters, in literature describing a character's downfall, or in everyday conversation when empathizing with someone who has experienced a series of setbacks. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone compared to simply saying 'bad luck,' making it useful for narratives or serious discussions. 4) Similar Words comparison: While 'misfortune' suggests an external event or a stroke of bad luck, 'tragedy' implies a much more severe and emotionally devastating event. 'Mishap' is a much lighter term, typically used for small, minor accidents or blunders that are inconvenient rather than life-altering. Understanding this nuance helps in choosing the right word based on the severity of the situation.
예시
He had the misfortune of arriving just as the store closed.
everydayHe was unlucky to arrive just as the store closed.
The family faced many misfortunes during the economic crisis.
formalThe family dealt with many difficult events during the crisis.
자주 쓰는 조합
자주 쓰는 구문
have the misfortune to
to be unlucky enough to do something
자주 혼동되는 단어
A mishap is usually a small, minor accident. Misfortune implies a more serious or long-lasting negative impact.
문법 패턴
How to Use It
사용 참고사항
Misfortune is generally used in neutral to formal registers. It is particularly common in written English and narrative storytelling. Avoid using it for trivial matters to maintain the appropriate level of seriousness.
자주 하는 실수
Learners often use 'misfortune' to describe simple errors. Remember that it implies an external, often uncontrollable event. Do not use it to describe something you did wrong yourself.
Tips
Use it to describe serious events
Reserve this word for situations that genuinely involve loss or hardship. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences like missing a bus.
Avoid confusing with accidents
An accident is usually a specific physical event. Misfortune is a broader term that encompasses the negative outcome of that event.
Literary association in English
The word is very common in classic English literature to describe the character arcs of protagonists. It often carries a sense of fate or destiny.
어원
The word comes from Middle English, formed by the prefix 'mis-' (wrongly/badly) and 'fortune' (luck/fate). It has been used since the 14th century to describe unfavorable turns of events.
문화적 맥락
In Western culture, the concept of misfortune is often linked to the idea of 'fate' or 'destiny.' It is frequently used in storytelling to test a character's resilience.
암기 팁
Think of the prefix 'mis-' meaning bad and 'fortune' meaning luck. Together, they represent 'bad luck'.
자주 묻는 질문
3 질문Not necessarily, though it is usually reserved for significant setbacks. It can describe a series of smaller unlucky events that lead to a difficult situation.
You can, but it sounds slightly formal. In very casual settings, native speakers might prefer 'bad luck' or 'a rough patch'.
It can be both. 'A misfortune' refers to one specific event, while 'misfortune' as an uncountable noun refers to the general experience of bad luck.
셀프 테스트
Choose the word that best fits the context.
She suffered the ___ of losing her job just before the holidays.
Misfortune is the most appropriate term for a significant life setback like losing a job.
🎉 점수: /1
Summary
Misfortune describes an unlucky event or a state of hardship that occurs beyond one's control.
- Refers to bad luck or an unfortunate event.
- Often used to describe serious setbacks or hardship.
- More formal than the phrase 'bad luck'.
Use it to describe serious events
Reserve this word for situations that genuinely involve loss or hardship. Avoid using it for minor inconveniences like missing a bus.
Avoid confusing with accidents
An accident is usually a specific physical event. Misfortune is a broader term that encompasses the negative outcome of that event.
Literary association in English
The word is very common in classic English literature to describe the character arcs of protagonists. It often carries a sense of fate or destiny.
예시
2 / 2He had the misfortune of arriving just as the store closed.
He was unlucky to arrive just as the store closed.
The family faced many misfortunes during the economic crisis.
The family dealt with many difficult events during the crisis.
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