superhuman

[soo-per-hyoo-muhn, -yoo-]

adjective

1. above or beyond what is human; having a higher nature or greater powers than humans have.

   a superhuman being.

2. exceeding ordinary human power, achievement, experience, etc..

   a superhuman effort.

superhuman

/ ˌsuːpəˈhjuːmən /

adjective

1. having powers above and beyond those of mankind

2. exceeding normal human ability or experience

Other Word Forms

• superhumanity noun
• superhumanness noun
• superhumanly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of superhuman¹

From the New Latin word superhūmānus, dating back to 1625–35. See super-, human

Example Sentences

Mothers aren’t expected to be human, nor are they expected to be superhuman, though one can see why mommy bloggers like to use that term for its more positive connotation.

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His superhuman talent is special because he is, at the core, human.

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After three hours of superhuman justice, humour, romance, and vengeance, cinemas are littered with popcorn like confetti, and fans spill into the streets, whooping with cathartic delight.

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"What a superhuman effort he made to finish the series. But also, I'll never forget the look on his face once filming was done. He knew it would be his last," she said.

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Reeve’s Superman is the only silver screen superhero not toppled by a newcomer, making his blockbuster and its sequels enduring examples of superhuman hope.

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Related Words

• extraordinary 
• godlike 
• heroic 
• supernatural 
• uncanny