supererogatory

American  

[soo-per-uh-rog-uh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˌsu pər əˈrɒg əˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

1. going beyond the requirements of duty.

2. greater than that required or needed; superfluous.

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supererogatory British  

/ -trɪ, ˌsuːpərɛˈrɒɡətərɪ /

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

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Other Word Forms

• supererogatorily adverb

Etymology

Origin of supererogatory

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

Explanation

Something that is supererogatory goes way beyond what’s required. Washing all the dishes, sweeping the floor, and taking out the trash would be supererogatory if your dad only asked you to put your plate in the dishwasher. The adjective supererogatory was originally used in a religious context — Roman Catholic theology defined supererogatory acts as those that exceeded God's requirements. The Latin root, supererogatio, means "a payment in addition" — it derives from super ("above”) and erogare ("pay out"). Think of supererogatory actions as going the extra mile, like leaving a hundred dollar tip at a diner or shoveling the whole block instead of just your own sidewalk.

Example Sentences

When I’m feeling especially Muslim, I stop by the mosque for a free plate of food, and the supererogatory Ramadan evening prayer called Taraweeh.

From Slate • Apr. 23, 2020

For this, Johnson King introduced me to the term supererogatory, which describes moral acts that are “above and beyond” the call of duty.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2019

What can a director do with such supererogatory skimble-scamble?

From Time Magazine Archive

Culver Academy's reiterated aim is one that many an older school regards as supererogatory: to train the youth in self-control, stick-to-it-iveness, fair play, courage, self-restraint, etc. etc.

From Time Magazine Archive

Confessions of this sort, besides being, as we have already hinted, somewhat indiscreet, are often also supererogatory; for conjugal dissension, like murder, will out; and that sometimes in the most provoking and untimely manner.

From How to be Happy Though Married Being a Handbook to Marriage by Hardy, Edward John