vis major

Friendly

Explanation of "vis major"

Definition:
"Vis major" is a Latin term that is used in English to describe a natural disaster or event that cannot be controlled or predicted. These events are usually very serious and cause significant disruption or damage. It's often referred to as an "act of God."

Advanced Usage:

• "Vis major" is often used in legal documents to explain why someone cannot fulfill an obligation. For example, if a business cannot deliver goods because of a hurricane, they might refer to "vis major" to excuse their delay.

Word Variants:

• The phrase "act of God" is a synonym and is more commonly used in everyday English than "vis major."
• There are no direct variants of "vis major," as it is a specific legal term.

Different Meaning:

• While "vis major" specifically refers to uncontrollable natural events, it is sometimes used more generally to describe any unforeseen circumstances that disrupt plans.

Synonyms:

• Act of God
• Natural disaster
• Force majeure (another legal term that can include human factors as well)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no direct idioms or phrasal verbs that include "vis major," but you might encounter phrases like "beyond one's control" or "force of nature" that convey a similar idea.

Summary:

In summary, "vis major" refers to uncontrollable natural events that can disrupt normal activities or obligations.

Academic

Noun

1. a natural and unavoidable catastrophe that interrupts the expected course of events
   • he discovered that his house was not insured against acts of God

Synonyms

• act of God
• force majeure
• inevitable accident
• unavoidable casualty