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?

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13 Responses to “Super Words”

  • Helen

    Reshma

  • Helen

    I lik it

  • Carol Covey

    I am studying prefixes, suffixes, and roots. Thanks a million.

  • mat

    superlative

  • sakhi

    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.

  • Tyler

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

    Superannuated-obsolete
    Supersubtle- overly subtle, insignificant

  • zoe:)

    thankyou for helping me do my homework lol

  • Alex

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

  • Toka

    Thanks alot its agreat site

  • m

    Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

  • Sharon Hurley Hall

    Thanks for the additions, Roshawn.

  • D.F. Rucci

    Thanks for your tips!

  • Roshawn

    Here are a few more:

    superfluous
    superhighway
    supermarket
    superpower
    supersonic

    🙂

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