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Cambridge Dictionary Names "Parasocial" as the Word of the Year for 2025.

International | Dated: 20 Nov 2025

The Cambridge Dictionary has chosen the word "Parasocial" as its Word of the Year for 2025. The term is defined as a person's one-sided emotional attachment to an unknown famous individual, such as a celebrity, influencer, or even an AI chatbot. The dictionary noted a sharp rise in searches and usage of the word, driven largely by the proliferation of social media, online streaming, and the growth of AI companions, which have blurred the lines between private and public life, making one-sided bonds feel increasingly real to users.

🎯 Key Highlights:

  • The chosen word for 2025 is "Parasocial."
  • The word refers to a one-sided emotional attachment to a celebrity, influencer, or AI.
  • The term originated in 1956, observing television viewers' relationships.

💡 Other Important Facts:

  • The selection highlights the cultural impact of digital technology on human relationships.
  • The increasing use of AI chatbots as confidants contributed significantly to the word's popularity.
  • The term was first used to describe relationships with television personalities.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Which term was chosen as the Cambridge Dictionary's Word of the Year for 2025?

Correct Answer: Parasocial

🚀 Quick Recap:

About the Word

  • (i) Definition: One-sided relationship where one party feels connection but the other does not. (ii) Originators: Sociologists Donald Horton and Richard Wohl (1956).
  • (iii) Driving Factor: Proliferation of social media, streaming, and AI companions. (iv) Related Terms: Six thousand new words were also added to the dictionary in 2025.