Vicarious

Vicarious describes an experience, feeling, or action that is felt or done by watching, reading about, or otherwise experiencing it through another person rather than directly experiencing it oneself. It often involves a sense of indirect participation, empathy, or shared emotion. This can extend to experiencing the successes, failures, pleasures, or pains of others as if they were one's own. The degree of vicariousness can vary from a mild sense of understanding to an intense identification with another's experience. The word implies a second-hand understanding and involvement, often driven by a need for connection or a desire to expand one's horizons through the experiences of others.

Vicarious meaning with examples

• She lived a vicarious life through her favorite historical novels, eagerly consuming tales of adventure and romance, traveling to far-off lands, and experiencing perilous situations from the safety of her armchair. She felt the triumphs and tragedies of the characters as if they were her own.
• Sports fans often experience vicarious thrill and despair. They may celebrate a team's victory with the same intensity as the players themselves or sink into depression after a devastating defeat, emotionally linking themselves to the performance of the team.
• Reading about the hardships faced by refugees offered him a vicarious understanding of their trauma. While he hadn't gone through the same experience, he felt a profound empathy and a desire to help them overcome challenges.
• The travel blogger's posts allowed her followers to experience exotic locations and cultures in a vicarious manner. They lived the adventure through the photos and stories, dreaming of their own escapades.
• The success of their children offered them a vicarious pride, the parents felt a deep sense of accomplishment mirroring the achievements of their offspring, as though they were the ones directly reaping the rewards.