adv
vicariously
veye-KURR-ee-uhs-lee
Vicariously (adv) means By imagining or experiencing something through someone else's actions or feelings, rather than directly. Example: “She lived vicariously through her daughter's travels.”
adv
1
By imagining or experiencing something through someone else's actions or feelings, rather than directly.
"She lived vicariously through her daughter's travels."
"He enjoyed the thrill of skydiving vicariously by watching videos of it."
How to use vicariously
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishExperiencing something indirectly, through someone else rather than firsthand.
Common pairings
live vicariously through
experience vicariously
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She lived _____ through her daughter's travels.
Etymology
From vicarious plus the adverb suffix -ly; vicarious comes from Latin vicarius, "substitute."
Rhymes for vicariously
famously
anxiously
seriously
obviously
curiously
furiously
nervously
viciously
jealously
hideously
previously
vigorously
See all rhymes for vicariously →
Frequently asked questions
What does “vicariously” mean?
The word “vicariously” means by imagining or experiencing something through someone else's actions or feelings, rather than directly. In plain terms, experiencing something indirectly, through someone else rather than firsthand.
How do you pronounce “vicariously”?
“Vicariously” is pronounced veye-KURR-ee-uhs-lee (/vaɪ̯ˈkɜɹ.i.əs.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “vicariously” in a sentence?
Here is “vicariously” used in a sentence: “She lived vicariously through her daughter's travels.”
What part of speech is “vicariously”?
“Vicariously” is an adverb.
Where does the word “vicariously” come from?
The word “vicariously” comes from Latin. From vicarious plus the adverb suffix -ly; vicarious comes from Latin vicarius, "substitute.".
