Super Words

By Sharon - 1 minute read

background image 369

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?

Want to improve your English in 5 minutes a day? Click here to subscribe and start receiving our writing tips and exercises via email every day.

Recommended Articles for You


13 Responses to “Super Words”

  • Roshawn

    Here are a few more:

    superfluous
    superhighway
    supermarket
    superpower
    supersonic

    🙂

  • D.F. Rucci

    Thanks for your tips!

  • Sharon Hurley Hall

    Thanks for the additions, Roshawn.

  • m

    Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

  • Toka

    Thanks alot its agreat site

  • Alex

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

  • zoe:)

    thankyou for helping me do my homework lol

  • Tyler

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

    Superannuated-obsolete
    Supersubtle- overly subtle, insignificant

  • 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.

  • mat

    superlative

  • Carol Covey

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

  • Helen

    I lik it

  • Helen

    Reshma

Leave a comment: