Super Words

by Sharon

As a prefix, super- originates from the Latin super, an adverb and preposition meaning above, on top of, beyond, beside. That’s the original meaning of the English prefix, too, though according to the Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology, it has taken on other senses over the centuries. These include:

  • Higher in rank, quality or degree (example: superstructure)
  • In the highest, or to a high degree, in excess ( example: superabundance)
  • Expressing addition (example: supertax)

Here are some super words which have the same root:

  • Superb – excellent
  • Supercilious – proud, arrogant (from the Latin for above the eyelid)
  • Supercomputer – extra powerful and quick computer
  • Superfine – extremely refined, over refined
  • Superhuman
  • Superintendent – director or manager of an organisation
  • Superior – greater in number or quality
  • Superlative – of outstanding quality
  • Superman (originating with Nietzsche rather than Clark Kent’s alter ego)
  • Supermodel – an exceptionally successful catwalk model
  • Supernatural – inexplicable through natural laws; miraculous
  • Superscribe – to write above
  • Supersede – to supplant or replace
  • Supervise – to direct or oversee

There are dozens of others. Why not add yours in the comments or in the forum?

Got Your Free eBook?


  • Subscribe to Daily Writing Tips and you will be able to download our free ebook: Basic English Grammar.
  • You will also get all our grammar, spelling, punctuation and writing tips.
  • The download link will go along with the first email (you might need to wait up to 24 hours).

Related Articles

Subscribe

9 Responses to “Super Words”

  1. Roshawn on May 19, 2008 10:24 am

    Here are a few more:

    superfluous
    superhighway
    supermarket
    superpower
    supersonic

    :)

  2. D.F. Rucci on May 19, 2008 7:56 pm

    Thanks for your tips!

  3. Sharon Hurley Hall on May 20, 2008 11:03 am

    Thanks for the additions, Roshawn.

  4. m on May 21, 2008 4:27 am

    Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

  5. Toka on June 4, 2008 7:31 pm

    Thanks alot its agreat site

  6. Alex on June 25, 2008 4:36 pm

    Superimpose!
    Just thought I’d put one in there, hehehe.

  7. zoe:) on September 18, 2008 5:46 pm

    thankyou for helping me do my homework lol

  8. Tyler on March 30, 2009 8:34 pm

    Same here, but here are some new ones for ya!

    Superannuated-obsolete
    Supersubtle- overly subtle, insignificant

  9. sakhi on April 16, 2009 7:12 am

    I appreciate the webmaster and his website for being the most useful and educational website for all students. espically i myself solved my several problems through this website .
    once again i am thanking the webmaster and his educational website thank you for being in help with students.
    your’s sincere
    sakhi “sarwari” from kabul, Afghanistan.

Got something to say?





Recent Articles