Vicarious

Experiencing or feeling something through another person’s actions or experiences rather than directly oneself; existing by means of someone else’s experiences or perspective.

adjective

Vicarious

Experiencing or feeling something through another person’s actions or experiences rather than directly oneself; existing by means of someone else’s experiences or perspective.

adjective

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Imagine This

Picture watching a thrilling cliff jump on a documentary and feeling the rush, wind, and fear as if you were the one leaping.

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Sounds Like

vih-KAIR-ee-uhs

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Looks Like

vic-AR-ee-ous (looks like 'vicar' + 'ious')

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Remember This

Vicarious describes experiences lived through someone else, not firsthand. It is commonly used in everyday talk and in law (vicarious liability).

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Other Forms

vicariousnessnoun

vicariouslyadverb

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Connect With

proxy, indirect, secondhand, by proxy

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Note

Avoid confusing with similar-sounding words like 'victorious' or 'virtuous.' Also note the distinction between vicarious experience (through others) and direct experience (one’s own).

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Study Deeper

Examples

She felt a vicarious thrill watching the climbers reach the summit on television.
Parents often live vicariously through their children's achievements.

Synonyms

indirectsecondhandby proxy

Antonyms

directfirsthandprimary

Etymology

From Latin vicarius 'substitute, deputy,' from vicis 'change, substitution,' related to vicar.

Mnemonic

Vicarious = by a vicar (a substitute) living through someone else; remember by thinking 'via proxy'—experience through another person.