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vicariousness

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /vɪˈkɛr.i.əs.nəs/

KK: /vɪˈkɛrɪəsnəs/

noun
Definition

The state of experiencing something through someone else's feelings or actions instead of directly.


Example

Many people find joy in the vicariousness of watching movies, feeling the emotions of the characters as if they were their own.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever experienced that feeling of vicariousness while watching a movie?
Sloth B
Absolutely! It's like living through the characters' adventures without leaving your seat.
Sloth A
Right? I always feel so connected to their experiences.
Sloth B
Me too! It really makes the story more impactful.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
indirectness
secondhand
surrogate
Antonyms
directness
immediacy
firsthand
Root Explanation

Vicariousness → It is formed from "vicarious" (from Latin "vicarius", meaning substitute or deputy) and the suffix "-ness" (meaning the state or quality of). The word "vicariousness" refers to the state of experiencing something through another person or as a substitute.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vicarious' meaning a substitute experience, and '-ness' indicating a state. This helps you remember that 'vicariousness' is the quality of experiencing something through someone else.

Visually Confused Words
viciousness
variousness
cariousness
victoriousness
vivaciousness
oviparousness
incuriousness
hilariousness
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