vicarious Meaning & Definition
What Does Vicarious Mean?
Vicarious is used as an adjective meaning Delegated. It can also mean Experienced or gained by taking in another person’s experience rather than through first-hand experience, such as through watching or reading.
Word Facts for Vicarious
| Part of speech | adjective |
|---|---|
| Pronunciation | //vɪˈkɛəɹi.əs// |
| Syllables | 1 |
| Synonyms | secondary |
Vicarious Definition (Adjective)
- Delegated.
- Experienced or gained by taking in another person’s experience rather than through first-hand experience, such as through watching or reading.
People experience vicarious pleasures through watching television.
- On behalf of others.
The concept of vicarious atonement, that one person can atone for the sins of another, is found in many religions.
Synonyms of Vicarious
Vicarious synonyms and antonyms →Antonyms of Vicarious
No antonyms or near antonyms are listed by the available sources for this entry.
Vicarious in a Sentence
People experience vicarious pleasures through watching television.
The concept of vicarious atonement, that one person can atone for the sins of another, is found in many religions.
Word Forms & Grammar
vicarious (not comparable)
Words That Rhyme With Vicarious
Origin of Vicarious
From Latin vicārius (“vicarious, substituted”) + English -ous. First attested in the 17th century.[1] Doublet of vicar.
How to Pronounce Vicarious
Vicarious is pronounced //vɪˈkɛəɹi.əs// and has 1 syllable.