Basic Details
Word: Vicarious
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Feeling or experiencing something through someone else's actions or experiences.
Synonyms: Indirect, second-hand
Antonyms: Direct, personal
Idioms and Phrases
- Vicarious pleasure: Enjoying something through someone else's experiences. Example: "She found vicarious pleasure in watching her friend compete in the race."
- Vicarious living: Living through another person's life instead of your own. Example: "He had so much vicarious living through his favourite TV shows that he rarely went out."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Readers often feel vicarious excitement when they enjoy thrilling stories about adventure.
Example 2: Through social media, I experienced a vicarious holiday as my friends posted photos from their trip to the beach.
Example 3: Many parents find vicarious joy in their children's accomplishments, cheering them on from the sidelines.
Fun Fact
The word "vicarious" comes from the Latin word "vicarius," meaning "substituted" or "acting in place of". It was originally used in religious contexts to refer to someone acting on behalf of another.
Famous Quote
"To live vicariously means you live through the experiences of others and find satisfaction in that." Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "vicarious" mean?
a) Experiencing something personally
b) Feeling through someone else's experiences
c) Acting out an action
d) Having direct involvement
Answer: b) Feeling through someone else's experiences
2. Which of these is a synonym of "vicarious"?
a) Direct
b) Second-hand
c) Immediate
d) Primary
Answer: b) Second-hand
3. Which is an antonym of "vicarious"?
a) Experience
b) Personal
c) Indirect
d) Detached
Answer: b) Personal
4. Which sentence uses "vicarious" correctly?
a) She experienced a vicarious thrill watching the movie's action scenes.
b) He enjoys vicarious eating at restaurants with friends.
c) The vicarious child played quietly by herself.
d) They went vicarious shopping every weekend.
Answer: a) She experienced a vicarious thrill watching the movie's action scenes.
5. Which idiom relates to the concept of "vicarious"?
a) Second chance
b) Vicarious pleasure
c) Third wheel
d) As busy as a bee
Answer: b) Vicarious pleasure
