
Superfluous words are those words which are unnecessary and are just redundant in an expression. Why would you use extra words and longer expressions that can confuse the reader when you can say the same thing in less words? Using extra words won’t help anyone. Moreover, it can be confusing to the readers. The lesser, the sweeter!
What is an example of superfluous?
Superfluous definition The definition of superfluous is something that is more than needed or unnecessary. An example of superfluous is a buying a stuffed animal for a child who already has too many stuffed animals. Being more than is needed, useful, or wanted; surplus; excessive.
What is the correct definition of superfluous?
1a : exceeding what is sufficient or necessary : extra. b : not needed : unnecessary. 2 obsolete : marked by wastefulness : extravagant.
What is superfluous writing?
What is Superfluous Writing? Superfluous writing may include redundant phrases or tautologies. They can also be filler words that do not contribute meaning to the sentence. Writers and speakers recommend removing them because you will look uncertain of what you're saying.
Can a person be superfluous?
It refers to an individual, perhaps talented and capable, who does not fit into social norms. In most cases, this person is born into wealth and privilege. Typical characteristics are disregard for social values, cynicism, and existential boredom; typical behaviors are gambling, drinking, romantic intrigues and duels.
How do you use superfluous in a sentence?
How to use Superfluous in a sentenceSuperfluous wealth can buy superfluities only. ... The superfluous water from all the Delta canals is drained off, by bahrs (rivers) into the coast lakes. ... In an earlier age such an inquiry would have seemed superfluous. ... In one way, as I need not say, a saint has no superfluous merit.More items...
What is it called when you use more words than needed?
Pleonasm. noun 1 : the use of more words than those necessary to denote mere sense (as in "the man he said") : redundancy 2 : an instance or example of pleonasm.
Which are superfluous words?
Superfluous words are those words which are unnecessary and are just redundant in an expression. Why would you use extra words and longer expressions that can confuse the reader when you can say the same thing in less words? Using extra words won't help anyone. Moreover, it can be confusing to the readers.
What are superfluous filler words?
How to Identify and Revise FillersFiller or Unnecessary Word/PhraseSuggested RevisionJust, Really, Very, EvenDelete.Needless to sayDelete.ThatDelete unless it is essential for making the sentence clear.The fact thatDelete and restructure.20 more rows•Dec 2, 2021
When two words mean the same thing what it is called?
A synonym is a word or phrase with a meaning that is the same as, or very similar to, another word or phrase. Terrible and awful are synonyms because they have the same meaning.
What part of speech is superfluous?
(adjective)SUPERFLUOUS (adjective) definition and synonyms | Macmillan Dictionary.
How is superfluous pronounced?
0:201:10How to Pronounce Superfluous? (2 WAYS!) UK/British Vs US/American ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is normally said as superfluous super flu us you do want to stress on the second syllable onMoreThis is normally said as superfluous super flu us you do want to stress on the second syllable on the per syllable superfluous in american english.
What is a nonchalant person?
What does it mean when someone is nonchalant? Someone who is nonchalant is relaxed and calm, either because they do not care about something or because they are not worried about something.
How is superfluous pronounced?
0:201:10How to Pronounce Superfluous? (2 WAYS!) UK/British Vs US/American ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis is normally said as superfluous super flu us you do want to stress on the second syllable onMoreThis is normally said as superfluous super flu us you do want to stress on the second syllable on the per syllable superfluous in american english.
What do you call an impulsive person?
synonyms: brainish, hotheaded, impetuous, madcap, tearaway incautious. lacking in caution. adjective. determined by chance or impulse or whim rather than by necessity or reason. synonyms: capricious, whimsical arbitrary.
What does informal words mean?
Informal Definitions In an informal definition. These definitions may be synonyms or antonyms introduced by or, in other words, or like., the writer uses known words or examples to explain an unknown term. These definitions may be synonyms. Example: tiny is a synonym for small. or antonyms.
What is the meaning of superciliously?
proud, arrogant, haughty, lordly, insolent, overbearing, supercilious, disdainful mean showing scorn for inferiors.
What does the word superfluous mean?
According to the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language as well as other dictionaries like American Heritage and Collins English dictionary, the word superfluous is an adjective that means unnecessary, not needed, or exceeding what is necessary or sufficient. In an archaic or obsolete sense, the word superfluous meant extravagant or marked by wastefulness. The pronunciation of superfluous is su-per-flu-wis.
What is the origin of the word superfluous?
According to Etymonline, the word superfluous has been used as an adjective since the early 15th century. Earlier in the late 14th century, this word was the Middle English superflue. This comes from the Old French superflueux and Latin superfluus meaning unnecessary, and literally overflowing or running over. This comes from the Latin superfluere, a verb meaning to overflow. This is from the prefix super meaning over and the Latin fluere meaning to flow. One can add the suffixes ly, ness, and ity to make the related words superfluously (adv.), superfluousness (n.) and superfluity (n.)
How can the word superfluous be used in a sentence?
The word superfluous can be used in many different ways in American English and British English. Below are many examples of superfluous.
Why are there superfluous notes and coupons?
The superfluous notes and coupons were a total gimmick to try to get people to sign up for the dance.
What does "superfluous" mean?
superfluous. ( suːˈpɜːflʊəs) adj. 1. exceeding what is sufficient or required. 2. not necessary or relevant; uncalled-for. 3. obsolete extravagant in expenditure or oversupplied with possessions. [C15: from Latin superfluus overflowing, from super- + fluere to flow] suˈperfluously adv. suˈperfluousness n.
What are some synonyms for "superfluous"?
Synonyms: superfluous, excess, extra, supernumerary, surplus. These adjectives mean being more than is needed, desired, required, or appropriate: delete superfluous words; trying to lose excess weight; found some extra change on the dresser; supernumerary ornamentation; distributed surplus food to the needy. American Heritage® Dictionary of the ...
What does "excessive" mean?
1. being more than is sufficient or required; excessive.
Is it superfluous to try, by the standard of theory, a part of the Constitution?
But it is superfluous to try, by the standard of theory, a part of the Constitution which is allowed on all hands to be the result, not of theory, but "of a spirit of amity, and that mutual deference and concession which the peculiarity of our political situation rendere d indispensable." A common government, with powers equal to its objects, is called for by the voice, and still more loudly by the political situation, of America.
What does "superfluous" mean?
Something that is superfluous is unnecessary or is no longer needed.
What does "oversupplied" mean?
adjective. 1. exceeding what is sufficient or required. 2. not necessary or relevant; uncalled-for. 3. obsolete. extravagant in expenditure or oversupplied with possessions. Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers.
Was the drama of the race superfluous?
The drama of the race was almost superfluous.
Why are superfluous forms removed?
To prevent the default behavior, the superfluous forms are removed.
Is evolution theory superfluous?
Evolutionary theory would seem to be superfluous for understanding body (and therefore brain) functions. From the Cambridge English Corpus. In addition, we argue that the evolutionary framework is superfluous . From the Cambridge English Corpus.
Is a chapter on hybrid peas superfluous?
A chapter on hybrid peas seems superfluous when, as the author admits, hybrid varieties are extremely unlikely!
Tedious tautologies
Why say something twice when you can say it once and be understood? Tautologies are words that repeat the meaning of another word in an expression. They mean exactly the same thing. (Just like I did there!)
Plodding pleonasms
Words which add nothing extra to a sentence are termed pleonasms. Here are a few examples to give you the gist:
Superfluous spoilers
The English language is full of popular expressions, but superfluous words fill up sentences. Learn to recognise redundant words and omit them from your text in favour of one concise word.
Aim for excellence in your writing
Fluff adds nothing, so edit without mercy. As you read each word or sentence, consider whether it adds to the meaning. Cut out superfluous content and you will achieve greater results for your content marketing.
