Vicende

Vicende is a feminine plural noun in Italian that denotes events, episodes, or happenings, especially when these events unfold in sequence or affect a person, a group, or a place. The term often implies a narrative or turning point aspect, and it is commonly used in biographical, historical, or literary contexts to refer to the series of happenings that shape a life or a situation. It can also describe plot developments within a story, focusing on the sequence and consequences of events rather than merely listing occurrences.

Etymology and sense development: Vicende comes from vicenda, which in turn is linked to Latin roots related to change or alternation. The sense emphasizes the unfolding of events over time and the changes they bring, sometimes with a sense of fortune or fate involved.

Usage and nuance: In everyday language, vicende can be used interchangeably with eventi or avvenimenti in some contexts, but it often carries a narrative or biographical nuance. Examples include le vicende della guerra, le vicende di una famiglia, or le vicende di un personaggio letterario. The phrase can express both personal life stories and broader historical courses, with a focus on how events intertwine and influence outcomes.

See also: vicenda, vicissitudine, avvenimento, evento. Vicende is closely related to those terms but typically conveys a sense of progression and consequence within a larger narrative or life history.