superstitious
/ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃəs/
adjective
Origin
Latin
superstitiosus — full of superstition
Overview
Meaning Now
- Having or showing a belief in supernatural influences, especially as leading to specific rituals or practices.
- Based on or influenced by irrational fears or ignorance of the laws of nature.
Literal older meaning
standing over or over-awed
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
supersticious
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The Latin term 'superstitio' originally denoted a state of religious awe or amazement, often bordering on irrational fear or excessive ritualism. It was frequently used by Roman writers to describe foreign religious practices that they considered non-rational or overly burdensome compared to the official state religion.
Evolution
- Classical Latin
superstitiosus
“prophetic, superstitious”
Derived from superstitio
- Middle French
superstitieux
“superstitious”
- Middle English
supersticious
“religious or superstitious”
- Modern English
superstitious
“belief in omens or magic”
Connections
Word parts
super-
prefix
over
stit
root
to stand
-ious
suffix
full of/characterized by
Related across languages
French
superstitieux
superstitious
Spanish
supersticioso
superstitious
Related words
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Related to superstitious
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.