Vocabulary in context
SAT Vocabulary Workbook
The closest companion to SATVocab for students who want guided lessons and written practice.
Check the workbook
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💡
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.
🔊
Sounds Like
vih-KAIR-ee-uhs
👀
Looks Like
vic-AR-ee-ous (looks like 'vicar' + 'ious')
📝
Remember This
Vicarious describes experiences lived through someone else, not firsthand. It is commonly used in everyday talk and in law (vicarious liability).
📚
Other Forms
vicariousnessnoun
vicariouslyadverb
🔗
Connect With
proxy, indirect, secondhand, by proxy
📌
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).
🧠
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.
How well do you know this word now?
Your choice schedules the next review.
Next Word
Continue in alphabetical order.
Try a Random Word
Pick any word below to jump in.
Disgruntle
verbTo cause someone to feel dissatisfied, discontented, or irritated; to make someone look unfavorably on a situation.
Orthodox
adjectiveTraditional; conforming to established beliefs or practices, especially in religion or academia.
Unanimous
adjectiveShowing complete agreement among all members; agreed upon by everyone involved.
Similar Words
Related words and words with the same part of speech.
Abstruse
adjectiveDifficult to understand; obscure or highly complex.
Accidental
adjectiveHappening by chance or without deliberate planning; not intended. In music, it is also a noun for a symbol that temporarily alters a pitch.
Acerbic
adjectiveSharp or biting in tone or taste; caustic or mordant in manner.
Acquiescent
adjectiveReady to agree or approve without protest; compliant.
Adamant
adjectiveRigid in opinion or purpose; not willing to change one's mind or position.
Adept
adjectiveHaving or showing a high level of skill or proficiency; very capable.
Study beyond this word
Turn vocabulary practice into a complete SAT plan
Add a workbook for repetition or the official guide for full-test context.
First-time test takers
Official SAT Guide
Official question styles, test structure, and print practice from the College Board.
Check the official guidePaid Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.