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What word describes experiencing something second-hand?

This word has been on my mind a long time, but it keeps eluding me. The word, I think it's an adjective, describes experiencing something second-hand. It could be used to describe, for example, gossiping or reading a book - the listener/reader experiences second-hand what he/she hears/reads.

It probably starts with 'i' or 'v'!

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You might be thinking of vicarious; in particular:

  • "felt or enjoyed through imagined participation in the experience of others".

(M-W)

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  • Possibly also 'by proxy'. Stan experienced the skydive through his best friend and proxy Lee, whom he knew would tell him all about the free fall in great detail.
    – Chloe
    Jul 8, 2015 at 8:22

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