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Definition of vicarious

vicarious

/vaɪˈkɛər.i.əs/
vi · car · i · ous
Adverb:vicariously
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vicarious Lexical Profile

vicarious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Experienced in the imagination through the feelings or actions of another person.

Example

"Watching travel documentaries gave her a vicarious thrill of exploring distant continents."

2

Acting or done for another; delegated or substituted, especially regarding legal responsibility.

Example

"The corporation was held subject to vicarious liability for the negligence of its delivery driver."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for vicarious

• Nearby Words

viburnum
vicar
vicarage
vicarious
vicariously
vice
vicenza

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 17th century from Latin vicarius ('substituted, delegated'), from vicis ('change, alternation, or stead'), which is also the root of the English word vicar.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vicarious. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vicarious
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