How is the word “vicissitudes” pronounced?
(S.P. Sankaranarayanan, Chennai) There are several ways of pronouncing this word. One of the ways is the following. You can pronounce the “i” in the first three syllables like the “i” in “bit”, “hit”, and “sit”. The final syllable “tude” rhymes with “cued”, “nude”, and “feud”. The “c” is pronounced like the “s” in ‘sit” and “set”, while the final “s” is like the “z” in “zero” and “zip”. The main stress is on the second syllable. “Vicissitudes” is a word that is mostly used in formal contexts. It means the constant changes and unexpected difficulties that crop up during one’s life. Here are a few examples. * Sunita’s parents have continued to support her through all her vicissitudes. * Listen Gopal, losing your job is just one of the vicissitudes of life. * * * “I am a deeply superficial person.” Andy Warhol S.
