Definition

Noun: 1. An irrational belief in supernatural influences, omens, or magic: A belief or practice resulting from ignorance, fear of the unknown, or trust in magic or chance, rather than reason or scientific knowledge. It often involves the idea that specific actions, objects, or events can cause good or bad luck. 2. A widely held but unjustified idea: A notion or belief maintained despite evidence to the contrary, often based on tradition or anecdote.

Usage and Examples

• General Belief: The belief is often culturally transmitted and linked to luck, prophecy, or spiritual beings.
  • The superstition says that breaking a mirror brings seven years of bad luck.
  • Many ancient sailors had superstitions about whistling on a ship.
• As an Abstract Concept: Refers to the general system or practice of holding such beliefs.
  • Science seeks to dispel superstition and myth.
  • He dismissed the old customs as mere superstition.

Advanced Usage

• "A web/veil of superstition": Describes a pervasive, complex, or obscuring system of superstitious beliefs within a culture or society.
  • The ancient ritual was shrouded in a web of superstition.
• "Blind superstition": Emphasizes the uncritical, irrational nature of the belief.
  • The decision was based on blind superstition rather than facts.

Variants and Related Words

• Superstitious (adjective): Having or showing a belief in superstitions.
  • She is superstitious about the number 13.
• Superstitiously (adverb): In a superstitious manner.
  • He knocked on wood superstitiously after mentioning his good health.

Synonyms

• Myth: A traditional story or widely held but false belief.
• Old wives' tale: A usually superstitious or unfounded belief passed down by tradition.
• Irrational belief: A conviction not based on reason or logic.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To be steeped in superstition": To be deeply influenced or filled with superstitious beliefs.
  • The remote village was still steeped in ancient superstition.
• "A creature of superstition": A person whose actions and thoughts are largely governed by superstitious beliefs.
  • The old fisherman was a creature of superstition, never setting sail on a Friday.

Noun

1. an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear