supererogatory

[ soo-per-uh-rog-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee ]

adjective

1. going beyond the requirements of duty.
2. greater than that required or needed; superfluous.

supererogatory

/ ˌsuːpərɛˈrɒɡətərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. performed to an extent exceeding that required or expected
2. exceeding what is needed; superfluous
3. RC Church of, characterizing, or relating to prayers, good works, etc, performed over and above those prescribed as obligatory

Derived Forms

• ˌsupereˈrogatorily, adverb

Other Words From

• super·e·roga·tori·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of supererogatory¹

From the Medieval Latin word superērogātōrius, dating back to 1585–95. See supererogate, -tory ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of supererogatory¹

C16: from Medieval Latin superērogātōrius; see supererogate

Example Sentences

Those arguments are not necessary, they are all supererogatory, like idle words.

From Project Gutenberg

This: Do be good to us by a supererogatory virtue and write to us.

From Project Gutenberg

John Bull has suffered more for their sake, more than even the supererogatory cullibility of his disposition is able to bear.

From Project Gutenberg

That design was secured with a care and finish which in many instances might seem altogether supererogatory.

From Project Gutenberg

To speak panegyrically of his prowess, is supererogatory; as his bravery has been the theme of history and of song.

From Project Gutenberg