supervise

[soo-per-vahyz]

verb (used with object)

supervised, supervising 

1. to oversee (a process, work, workers, etc.) during execution or performance; superintend; have the oversight and direction of.

   Synonyms: guide, control, direct, manage

supervise

/ ˌsuːpəˈvɪʒən, ˈsuːpəˌvaɪz /

verb

1. to direct or oversee the performance or operation of

2. to watch over so as to maintain order, etc

Other Word Forms

• nonsupervising adjective
• presupervise verb (used with object)
• quasi-supervised adjective
• unsupervised adjective
• well-supervised adjective
• supervision noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of supervise¹

First recorded in 1580–90; from Medieval Latin supervīsus “overseen,” past participle of supervidēre “to oversee,” from super- super- + vidēre “to see”; wit ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of supervise¹

C16: from Medieval Latin supervidēre, from Latin _super- + vidēre to see

Example Sentences

Be cautious when letting dogs off the lead in the snow, and supervise them closely as hazards may be hidden.

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Nor was she supervising the housemaids as they dusted knickknacks in the parlor.

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He was behind the barn, just as the boys had said he would be, supervising the construction of a large, high-walled corral made of wooden posts and slats interwoven with lengths of twisted wire.

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I’d also heard that Mrs. Vaughan was standing up for the Colored women she supervised, helping them to get better assignments, as well as the promotions and raises they’d previously been denied.

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Without a rescue, the UK's largest water utility will collapse into a government supervised administration process by early next year.

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Related Words

• administer 
• conduct 
• direct 
• handle 
• inspect 
• look after 
• oversee 
• take care of 

When To Use

What does supervise mean?

Supervise means to oversee, watch over, and provide direction for someone or something.You can supervise a project or process as it’s happening, but most of the time the word refers to supervising people, especially parents supervising their children or a manager or supervisor supervising their employees.The noun form of supervise is supervision. Someone being supervised is said to be under supervision. When it’s used in the context of adults watching children, the word often appears in the phrases parental supervision and adult supervision. Children or other people who can’t be left alone are said to need constant supervision. When they are left alone, they’re said to be unsupervised.The adjective form supervisory describes things that involve supervision, such as in the phrases supervisory role and supervisory capacity. Example: The key to supervising your employees effectively is giving them enough space to do their jobs, instead of constantly standing over their shoulders.