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

We are entering an era where traders won’t be shouting on the floor but training, supervising and fine-tuning their algorithms.

Read more on Wall Street Journal

He works for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network and said those he supervises have emigrated from Mexico, Central America and South America.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The government has been on standby to supervise a form of temporary nationalisation as Thames has sought to secure fresh investment.

Read more on BBC

“Ms. Chattah is disqualified from supervising these cases or any attorneys in the handling of these cases,” Campbell wrote.

Read more on Salon

All staff have been "vetted, trained and supervised before working with patients", it added.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• administer 
• conduct 
• deal with 
• 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.