Vicarious

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /vɪˈkɛəɹiÉ™s/
• US IPA: /vaɪˈkÉ›(É™)ɹiÉ™s/
• Rhymes: -ɛəriÉ™s

Origin

From Latin vicārius "vicarious, substituted"

Full definition of vicarious

Adjective

1. Experienced or gained by the loss or to the consequence of another, such as through watching or reading.People experience vicarious pleasures through watching television.
2. Done on behalf of othersThe concept of vicarious atonement, that one person can atone for the sins of another, is found in many religions.

Derived terms

• vicarious atonement
• vicarious learning
• vicarious liability
• vicarious reinforcement

Related terms

• vicar
• vicariously