Superstition is belief in things that are not real or possible, for example magic.
Fortune-telling is a very much debased art surrounded by superstition.
The phantom of the merry-go-round is just a local superstition.
Synonyms: myth, story, belief, legend More Synonyms of superstition
More Synonyms of superstition
superstition in British English
(ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃən)
noun
1.
irrational belief usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc
2.
a notion, act or ritual that derives from such belief
3.
any irrational belief, esp with regard to the unknown
Word origin
C15: from Latin superstitiō dread of the supernatural, from superstāre to stand still by something (as in amazement)
superstition in American English
(ˌsupərˈstɪʃən)
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
Word origin
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
Examples of 'superstition' in a sentence
superstition
The extent of the spread of superstition and nonsense ritual must be a real concern for managers.
The Sun (2015)
Each has their own rituals and superstitions.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Except that we cannot offer superstition or ignorance as an excuse.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Any other religion is false and mere superstition.
Christianity Today (2000)
The second cognitive error is a belief in superstition.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
Others dismissed such fears as superstition.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
It's more of a ritual than a superstition.
The Sun (2010)
Meanwhile, the jealous local gossips spread fear and superstition.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
Such coincidences will prey on all connections today, along with their ritual superstitions of lucky shirts and suits.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
Is this fear mere superstition?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Many old customs and superstitions still linger around the festival of the new year, especially in provincial towns and country districts.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The more we understand about the nature of the world and humankind, the less vulnerable we are to irrational fears and disabling superstitions.
Paul Martin MAKING HAPPY PEOPLE (2005)
These lithe, slim beasts bear the weight of an astonishing amount of history, belief and superstition.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
He added that he had been a victim of ignorance and superstition himself as he was growing up in Hong Kong.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Quotations
Superstition is the religion of feeble mindsEdmund BurkeReflections on the Revolution in France
Superstition is the poetry of lifeJohann Wolfgang von GoetheMaximen und Reflexionen
In other languages
superstition
British English: superstition NOUN
Superstition is belief in things that are not real or possible, for example magic.
Fortune-telling is a very much debased art surrounded by superstition.
American English: superstition
Brazilian Portuguese: superstição
Chinese: 迷信
European Spanish: superstición
French: superstition
German: Aberglaube
Italian: superstizione
Japanese: 迷信
Korean: 미신
European Portuguese: superstição
Latin American Spanish: superstición
Chinese translation of 'superstition'
superstition
(suːpəˈstɪʃən)
n(c/u)
迷信 (míxìn)
1 (noun)
Definition
irrational belief in magic and the powers that supposedly bring good luck or bad luck
Fortune-telling is an art surrounded by superstition.
Synonyms
unfounded belief
2 (noun)
Definition
a belief or practice based on this
The phantom of the merry-go-round is just a local superstition.
Synonyms
myth
Several popular myths endure about art thieves.
story
a popular love story with a happy ending
belief
It is my belief that a common ground can be found.
legend
the legends of ancient Greece
old wives' tale
notion
the notion that musical ability is present from birth
He has a realistic notion of his capabilities.
Quotations
Superstition is the religion of feeble minds [Edmund Burke – Reflections on the Revolution in France]Superstition is the poetry of life [Johann Wolfgang von Goethe – Maximen und Reflexionen]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of belief
Definition
opinion
It is my belief that a common ground can be found.
Synonyms
opinion,
feeling,
idea,
view,
theory,
impression,
assessment,
notion,
judgment,
point of view,
sentiment,
persuasion,
presumption
in the sense of legend
Definition
a popular story handed down from earlier times which may or may not be true
the legends of ancient Greece
Synonyms
myth,
story,
tale,
fiction,
narrative,
saga,
fable,
folk tale,
urban myth,
urban legend,
folk story
in the sense of notion
Definition
an idea or opinion
the notion that musical ability is present from birthHe has a realistic notion of his capabilities.
Synonyms
idea,
view,
opinion,
belief,
concept,
impression,
judgment,
sentiment,
conception,
apprehension,
inkling,
mental image or picture,
picture
Synonyms of 'superstition'
superstition
Explore 'superstition' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of story
Definition
a piece of fiction, shorter and usually less detailed than a novel