miscarriage
Translations
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Noun type
Abstract Noun: "Miscarriage" is an abstract noun because it refers to the involuntary loss of a pregnancy before the foetus can survive outside the womb. It is an intangible event — a medical and emotional experience — not a physical object.
It is countable when referring to individual occurrences: “She had two miscarriages before her first successful pregnancy.” It is also used uncountably when referring to the concept or phenomenon in general: “Miscarriage is more common than many people realise.”
From Middle English miscarien, meaning “to come to harm,” formed from mis- (wrongly) + carry. The word’s current use developed in Early Modern English.
Definition/s
- The spontaneous loss of a pregnancy before the foetus is viable, typically before the 20th week.
- (Figurative) A failure or breakdown of a process or system (e.g., miscarriage of justice).
Examples
- She experienced a miscarriage during her second trimester.
- Doctors assured her that the miscarriage was not her fault.
- The couple mourned the miscarriage and took time to heal.
- Many fear a miscarriage of justice when trials are rushed or evidence is mishandled. (figurative)
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
What are Openers?
- Openers are conversation starters you will use to participate in a discussion. They come in three forms:
- Ask an open question and understand your conversation partners’s views.
- Make sure to ask follow ups, and remember: this is a conversation, not an interview!
- Tell a personal story. Something that has happened to you, or somebody you know.
- Or tell us about something that you have done or seen.
- Your conversation partners must then follow up with you or reciprocate with their own stories.
- Share an opinion about something that the content has inspired.
- Respectfully identify any agreement or disagreement there is in the room.
The Skinny
You’ve been asked to brief a senior executive (the “boss”) on a key issue from a recent business news event. This person is busy and relies on you to give them insight, not headlines.
You have 60–90 seconds to deliver a concise, high-value update tailored to their concerns and communication preferences.
- Who are they?
- What do they care about?
- What do they not want to hear?
- What part of the story matters most to them?
- Don’t explain everything—prioritise.
- Be clear, precise, and professional.
- Avoid informal or emotional language.
Two Papal Styles: Clerical vs. Pastoral
Understanding the difference can help us see why Pope Francis felt so different from past leaders—and why some people loved his style while others disagreed with it.
- Focuses on rules, tradition, and Church authority
- Speaks with clear, firm direction
- Keeps strong boundaries between Church leaders and members.
Example: A clerical pope might defend strict Church teachings on family or sacraments.
- Focuses on compassion, listening, and inclusion
- Tries to meet people where they are.
- Emphasises mercy over judgment.
Example: A pastoral pope might welcome divorced people or support migrants and the poor.
