superstition Hear it!

superstition Definition

su·per·sti·tion (so̵̅o̅′pər stis̸h′ən)

noun

  1. any belief, based on fear or ignorance, that is inconsistent with the known laws of science or with what is generally considered in the particular society as true and rational; esp., such a belief in charms, omens, the supernatural, etc.
  2. any action or practice based on such a belief
  3. such beliefs collectively

Etymology: ME supersticion < MFr < L superstitio, excessive fear of the gods, superstition, orig., a standing still over < superstare, to stand over < super-, super- + stare, to stand

superstition Synonyms

superstition

n.

false belief, notion, irrationality, fear, superstitious fear.

superstition Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • religion: What tho was to be the higher, rational philosophy or the superstitions of a popular religion?
  • people: Certainly he played on the superstitions of the local people.
  • time: We are almost space age travelers still trying to move about in the primitive superstition of ancient times.
  • kind: Leslie Stephen avers with truth that the " enormous majority of the race has been plunged in superstitions of various kinds.

Converse of object

  • connect: There are many strange superstitions connected with the Devil in Welsh folklore.
  • associate: Traditions & Sayings Like the bride's outfit, there are many customs or superstitions associated with flowers.
  • know: Probably the most well known superstition involves William Shakespeare's Macbeth, which is often called " the Scottish play " by actors.
  • have: He's not some distant deity we can ignore or have superstitions about.
  • follow: Do you follow any particular superstitions or have good luck rituals?
  • use: Athletes use superstitions because they think it gives them confidence.

Adjective modifier

  • popish: His task was far from easy as Mary's tyranny and popish superstitions had left a dirty stain on the entire country.
  • Cambrian: Some said it was his ancestor in the shape of a black dog. [ William Howell, " Cambrian Superstitions " .
  • childish: At least I remember I retorted hotly, crying out upon childish superstitions.
  • irrational: He saw that the best education - for people still went to finish their education in Athens - was no protection against irrational superstition.
  • ignorant: They actually believe that they are taking part in nothing more than a modern mockery of ignorant superstitions from the past.
  • primitive: We are almost space age travelers still trying to move about in the primitive superstition of ancient times.

Noun used with modifier

  • pagan: Professor Arnold rightly notes Thietmar's professional interest in condemning the pagan superstitions of his Slav neighbors.
  • folk: Many Midwinter customs and folk superstitions are also connected to St. Andrew ' s day.
  • football: Any football superstitions I touch the last bit of the tunnel above my head as I run out.
  • hand: The decision to use the same name is on one hand superstition and on the other prophesy.