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/
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Adjective

superfluous (comparative more superfluous, superlative most superfluous)

  1. In excess of what is required or sufficient.
    With a full rain suit, carrying an umbrella may be superfluous.

Synonyms

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Translations

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