[quote author=brynbaker link=board=wordsuggest;num=1045846194;start=0#0 date=02/21/03 at 11:49:54]When I use this word, it has a meaning of modest significance, below accident, crisis and disaster.
At the NASA site it appears to assume a greater significance. Comments anyone?
(I hesitate respectfully before posting and ponder the sadness of this particular mishap and its impact on family, friends, nation and everyone else.)
Strange; I’d not have used mishap there either. While the event did partake of misfortune and "bad luck" (if one believes in such a thing), it also partakes of a tragic element that the word mishap does not convey—in my experience.
Has anyone else heard mishap with such a connotation? (tragic?)
There’s no etymology on the AHD. Does it come from mis- and hap-pen?
Even if the intent is to refer to just the mechanical-failure aspect, I’d think that there must be a better word… though nothing is coming to me right now. The deaths of the crew members are so very sad, and painful. So I’m getting stuck. But I’m curious, if anyone else has a suggestion.
