s-u-p-e-r-s-t-i-t-i-o-n
SUPERSTITION is an irrational belief or practice resulting from ignorance or fear of the unknown, attributing supernatural influence to certain objects, actions, or occurrences.
14
Points in Scrabble
Base tile values • No multipliers applied
SUPERSTITION refers to any belief or practice considered by non-practitioners to be irrational or supernatural, attributed to fate or magic, perceived supernatural influence, or fear of the unknown. It commonly applies to beliefs and practices surrounding luck, prophecy, and spiritual beings. Superstitions often arise from the human tendency to perceive patterns and assign meaning to coincidences. They persist across cultures as ways to explain the unexplainable or to feel a sense of control over uncertain outcomes.Common contexts:
The word superstition comes from Latin superstitio, meaning "standing over" or "standing above." This combines super- (above, over) + stare (to stand), originally referring to "standing over" something in amazement or awe. In ancient Rome, superstitio had negative connotations, referring to excessive fear of the gods or unreasonable religious belief, as opposed to religio (proper religious practice). The word entered Middle English via Old French supersticion in the 13th century. The modern sense of "irrational belief" developed in the 15th century during the Renaissance, when scientific thinking began to challenge traditional beliefs.
•The number 13 is considered unlucky in Western cultures, but lucky in Italian culture where "fare tredici" (to do 13) means to hit the jackpot
•Knocking on wood derives from ancient pagan beliefs that spirits lived in trees and could be invoked for protection
•Athletes are particularly superstitious - Michael Jordan wore his UNC shorts under his Bulls uniform for luck
•Friday the 13th phobia (paraskevidekatriaphobia) costs the U.S. economy millions as people avoid travel and business
"Her superstition about black cats made her cross the street whenever she saw one."
"The team's superstition required everyone to wear the same socks during their winning streak."
"Breaking the mirror filled him with dread, as superstition promised seven years of bad luck."
Total base points: 14 (Scrabble)
Vowels: 5 | Consonants: 7
Words with similar meaning
Belief
General term for accepted idea
Myth
Traditional story or belief
Delusion
False belief strongly held
Folklore
Traditional beliefs of a culture
Words with opposite meaning
Rationality
Logical thinking
Science
Evidence-based knowledge
Logic
Reasoning based on facts
Skepticism
Questioning attitude
Adjective Form
superstitious
She was too superstitious to walk under the ladder.
Adverb Form
superstitiously
He superstitiously avoided the number 13.
Related Terms
Long-held irrational belief
Widely shared false belief
Rise above irrational beliefs
If you can't play SUPERSTITION, consider these subwords:
Superstition has been a central theme in countless works, from Shakespeare's use of prophecies and omens to Mark Twain's satirical treatment in "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Edgar Allan Poe frequently explored superstitious dread in his gothic tales.
Movies like "Friday the 13th" have built entire franchises on superstitions. Sports teams embrace rally caps and lucky jerseys. The song "Superstition" by Stevie Wonder became an anthem warning against irrational beliefs.
Every culture has unique superstitions: the evil eye in Mediterranean cultures, feng shui in Chinese tradition, or avoiding whistling at night in many Indigenous cultures. These beliefs often reveal deep cultural values and historical experiences.
Superstition vs. Tradition
Traditions have cultural value; superstitions are irrational
Superstition vs. Religion
Religious beliefs are organized; superstitions are folk beliefs
Superstition vs. Ritual
Rituals can be meaningful; superstitions rely on false causation
MEDITATION
Mindful practice
ADDICTION
Compulsive behavior
EXPLANATION
Logical reasoning
INTUITION
Instinctive knowing
TRADITION
Cultural practice
PERCEPTION
Way of understanding
Other valuable 12-letter words ending in -TION in Scrabble
Practice unscrambling letters to find more high-scoring words like SUPERSTITION