What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
vicarious
Example
I got a vicarious thrill from watching my friend bungee jump. [vicarious: adjective]
Example
She lived vicariously through her daughter's success. [vicariously: adverb]
indirect
Example
He gave me indirect instructions on how to complete the task. [indirect: adjective]
Example
The company achieved its goals through indirect means. [indirect: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Indirect is more commonly used than vicarious in everyday language. Indirect is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vicarious is less common and refers to a specific type of experience.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between vicarious and indirect?
Both vicarious and indirect can be used in formal and informal contexts, but vicarious may be considered more formal due to its less frequent usage.
