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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 notes

In 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."

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for vicariously

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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.".

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial