superstitiousness

superstitiousness

A person avoids walking under a ladder due to their superstitiousness.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The quality or state of being superstitious: "superstitiousness" refers to the tendency to believe in supernatural causality, such as that certain actions or objects can bring good or bad luck, often contrary to rational or scientific reasoning.
Usage Examples
  • Noun:
    • His superstitiousness was evident when he refused to walk under a ladder. (His belief in irrational causes of bad luck.)
    • The superstitiousness of the villagers led them to avoid the old forest at night. (Their collective tendency to believe in supernatural influences.)
    • She tried to hide her superstitiousness, but she always knocked on wood after making a hopeful statement. (Her personal quality of holding superstitious beliefs.)
Advanced Usage

  • "a touch of superstitiousness": a slight or mild degree of superstitious belief.

    • Despite being a scientist, she had a touch of superstitiousness about black cats. (A small amount of irrational belief.)

  • "inherited superstitiousness": superstitious beliefs passed down through family or culture.

    • His inherited superstitiousness came from his grandmother's tales about the evil eye. (Superstitiousness learned from ancestors.)
Variants and Related Words

  • Superstitious (adj): having or showing a belief in supernatural causality.

    • He is superstitious about breaking mirrors. (He holds a superstitious belief.)

  • Superstition (n): a widely held but irrational belief in supernatural influences.

    • The superstition about Friday the 13th is common in many cultures. (A specific irrational belief.)

  • Superstitiously (adv): in a manner characterized by superstitious beliefs.

    • She superstitiously touched wood for good luck. (She acted based on superstitious belief.)
Synonyms
  • Irrationality: the quality of being contrary to reason.
  • Credulity: a tendency to be too ready to believe things, often without evidence.
  • Folk belief: traditional beliefs held by a group, often without scientific basis.
Related Idioms

  • "A superstitious nature": a personality inclined toward superstitious beliefs.

    • Her superstitious nature made her avoid the number 13. (Her inherent tendency toward superstition.)

  • "To give in to superstitiousness": to allow superstitious beliefs to influence one's actions.

    • He refused to give in to superstitiousness, even when others warned him. (He resisted irrational beliefs.)