superstition — A belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural, typically stemming from ignorance or fear of the unknown
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural, typically stemming from ignorance or fear of the unknown
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother's superstition about not walking under ladders saved her from getting paint on her head.
- The athlete's pre-game superstition involved wearing the same unwashed socks for luck.
- Scientists work to replace superstition with evidence-based knowledge.
superstition
NOUN[/ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/]
A belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural, typically stemming from ignorance or fear of the unknown
A belief or practice considered irrational or supernatural, typically stemming from ignorance or fear of the unknown
Between superstition and tradition, finding a new position
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Latin superstitio, meaning excessive religious fear or belief. The term evolved from the concept of something standing over or presiding above human actions, as ancient Romans believed superstitious beliefs exercised control over people's behavior like an external force watching from above.
Breakdown
super- (over, above) + -stition (from stare, to stand), literally 'standing over.' The suffix -tion indicates a state or condition, forming the noun superstitio meaning an excessive belief system standing above rational thought.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother's superstition about not walking under ladders saved her from getting paint on her head.”
“The athlete's pre-game superstition involved wearing the same unwashed socks for luck.”
“Scientists work to replace superstition with evidence-based knowledge.”
“The black cat crossing his path was just superstition, but he still felt nervous.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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