Word
vicariously
Phoneticsvi·car·i·ous·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/vaɪˈkɛɹiəsɫi/
UK/vɪkˈeəɹɪəsli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
adv. to experience something through the feelings or actions of someone else. You feel like you are living through their experiences rather than your own.
adv. to experience or undergo something through the feelings, actions, or experiences of another person. Often used to describe emotional or psychological identification with another's life.
Examples
“I live vicariously through my sister's travel stories.”
“Many fans experience the success of their favorite athletes vicariously, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment that is not their own.”
“The author's ability to describe the protagonist's internal struggles allows readers to experience the narrative vicariously, blurring the line between the fictional world and their own reality.”
Examples
simple
“I live vicariously through my sister's travel stories.”
contextual
“Many fans experience the success of their favorite athletes vicariously, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment that is not their own.”
complex
“The author's ability to describe the protagonist's internal struggles allows readers to experience the narrative vicariously, blurring the line between the fictional world and their own reality.”
Real-World Examples
“I prefer to live vicariously through Bill Murray singing (What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love and Understanding in Lost in Translation.” “Aesthetic emotions are experienced vicariously or at a distance, such as when watching a movie, and do not normally trigger an immediate response in us.” “I’m from California), temporally (I’m hoping to visit California next year) or vicariously (My daughter works for a firm in Silicon Valley).” Etymology
From vicarious + -ly (adverbial suffix).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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