superstitious
UK: /ˌsuːpəˈstɪʃəs/ | US: /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃəs/
adj. showing excessive or irrational belief in supernatural influences
adj. influenced by fear or ignorance regarding luck, omens, or magic
superstitious = super<above> + stit<stand> + ious<adjective suffix>
- super (from Latin super, meaning "above, over")
- stit (from Latin stare, meaning "to stand," via superstes ["standing over"])
- ious (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "full of" or "having the quality of")
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin superstitiosus, from superstitio ("prophecy, dread of the supernatural"). It originally described someone who "stood over" events in excessive awe, interpreting them as omens. Over time, it narrowed to imply irrational beliefs detached from reason. The morpheme super hints at an exaggerated perspective, while stit anchors the idea of fixation (as if "standing" obsessively on signs).
She knocked on wood three times, a superstitious habit from childhood.
Sailors were often superstitious about whistling on board, fearing it would summon storms.
His superstitious nature made him avoid walking under ladders at all costs.
The team’s superstitious rituals included wearing lucky socks for every game.
Despite being educated, he remained superstitious about black cats crossing his path.