superfluous
English
WOTD – 5 June 2007
Etymology
From Latin superfluus (“superfluous”), from superfluō (“overflow”), from super (“above, more than, over”) + fluō (“flow”). Compare mellifluous and fluid, also from Latin. Literally corresponds to overflow, which is from Germanic, rather than Latin.
Pronunciation
- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /suːˈpɜːflu.əs/, /sjʊˈpɜːflu.əs/
- (US) IPA(key): /suːˈpɝːflu.əs/
Audio (US) (file) Audio (UK) (file) Audio (AU) (file)
Adjective
superfluous (comparative more superfluous, superlative most superfluous)
- In excess of what is required or sufficient.
- With a full rain suit, carrying an umbrella may be superfluous.
Synonyms
- excessive, extraneous, extra, pleonastic, supernumerary, surplus, unnecessary, extravagant
Coordinate terms
- gratuitous
Related terms
- superflux
- superfluity
- mellifluous
Translations
excess of what is sufficient
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