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super

[ soo-per ]
/ ˈsu pər /
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noun
adjective
adverb
Slang. very; extremely or excessively: super classy; a super large portion of food.
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Origin of super

1620–30; 1920–25 for def. 8; independent use of super- (construed as an adj. or adv.), or shortening of words prefixed with it

Words nearby super

Suomi, suovetaurilia, sup, Sup. Ct., supe, super, superable, superabound, superabsorbent, superabundant, superacute

Other definitions for super (2 of 3)

super-
a prefix occurring originally in loanwords from Latin, with the basic meaning “above, beyond.” Words formed with super- have the following general senses: “to place or be placed above or over” (superimpose; supersede), “a thing placed over or added to another” (superscript; superstructure; supertax), “situated over” (superficial; superlunary) and, more figuratively, “an individual, thing, or property that exceeds customary norms or levels” (superalloy; superconductivity; superman; superstar), “an individual or thing larger, more powerful, or with wider application than others of its kind” (supercomputer; superhighway; superpower; supertanker), “exceeding the norms or limits of a given class” (superhuman; superplastic), “having the specified property to a great or excessive degree” (supercritical; superfine; supersensitive), “to subject to (a physical process) to an extreme degree or in an unusual way” (supercharge; supercool; supersaturate), “a category that embraces a number of lesser items of the specified kind” (superfamily; supergalaxy), “a chemical compound with a higher proportion than usual of a given constituent” (superphosphate).

Origin of super-

<Latin super (preposition and v. prefix) above, beyond, in addition, to an especially high degree; akin to Greek hypér (see hyper-), Sanskrit upari;see over

Other definitions for super (3 of 3)

super.
abbreviation
superintendent.
superior.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

MORE ABOUT SUPER

What is a basic definition of super?

Super is an adjective that describes something as of the highest power or an extreme degree or as excellent. Super is also used in slang as an adverb meaning very or extremely. Super has several other senses as a noun and an adjective.

If something is super, it is of the highest power, rank, authority, or similar quality or is the most extreme. Unsurprisingly, this sense of super is often used for emphasis in marketing or informal writing.

  • Real-life examples: A store might advertise a super sale that is supposedly the biggest one of the year. A lottery might have a super jackpot that is the largest jackpot possible. The National Football League’s biggest and most important game is called the Super Bowl. In the United States, the term Super Tuesday refers to the day when the most states hold presidential primary elections.
  • Used in a sentence: Many people are concerned about the influence super PACs have in politics because they don’t have a spending limit. 

Informally, super is used to mean something is excellent.

  • Used in a sentence: Janet’s work on the project was super and earned her a promotion.

Super is commonly used in slang as an adverb to mean very or extremely.

  • Used in a sentence: My sister is so super scared of mice that seeing a cartoon mouse frightens her.

Where does super come from?

The first records of super come from around 1620. It is an independent word that comes from the Latin prefix super-, which means “above,” “beyond,” or “to a very high degree.”

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What are some synonyms for super?

What are some words that share a root or word element with super?

What are some words that often get used in discussing super?

How is super used in real life?

Super is a common word that is most often used in the slang sense meaning “extremely.”

Try using super!

True or False?

If someone says that a speaker is super loud, it means that the speaker is very loud.

Words related to super

great, magnificent, marvelous, outstanding, sensational, superb, terrific, topnotch, cool, divine, keen, smashing, glorious, groovy, hot, incomparable, matchless, neat, peerless, wonderful

How to use super in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for super (1 of 2)

super
/ (ˈsuːpə) /
adjective
informal outstanding; exceptionally fine
noun
petrol with a high octane rating
informal a superintendent or supervisor
Australian and NZ informal superannuation benefits
Australian and NZ informal superphosphate
interjection
British informal an enthusiastic expression of approval or assent

Word Origin for super

from Latin: above

British Dictionary definitions for super (2 of 2)

super-
prefix
placed above or oversuperscript
of greater size, extent, quality, etcsupermarket
surpassing others; outstandingsuperstar
beyond a standard or norm; exceeding or exceedinglysupersonic
indicating that a chemical compound contains a specified element in a higher proportion than usualsuperoxide

Word Origin for super-

from Latin super above
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for super

super-
pref.
Above; over; upon:superstructure.
Superior in size, quality, number, or degree:supersonic.
Exceeding a norm:supersaturate.
Excessive in degree or intensity:superexcitation.
Containing a specified ingredient in an unusually high proportion:superoxide.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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