superfluous
soo-PUR-floo-uhs
/suːˈpɜː.flu.əs/
Unnecessary, especially through being more than enough; redundant.
Implies extra material or detail that serves no useful function and could easily be removed.
The story behind the word. Formed from Latin 'super-' (over) and 'fluere' (to flow). Literally 'overflowing', like a cup filled so high that water spills uselessly down the sides.
Word relationships
- redundant: Redundant implies repetition of something already present, whereas superfluous emphasizes excess beyond need.
- essential: Essential means absolutely vital and non-negotiable.
Commonly confused with
- superficial: Superficial means shallow or on the surface; superfluous means extra and unneeded.
Word family
- superfluity (noun): An unnecessarily large amount or number.
Collocations
- superfluous details
- superfluous expenditure
- rendered superfluous
- superfluous words
Example sentences
- "The editor advised the author to eliminate superfluous adjectives to make the prose crisp and punchy." Literary Criticism
Memory hook
SUPER + FLOW: Water flowing over the cup is SUPERFLUOUS extra fluid. Flowing over the top.
When not to use
Do not use if the excess provides clear value or safety margin; superfluous means strictly unneeded.
Fun facts
- In architecture, superfluous ornamentation refers to decorative items that carry no structural weight.
Related words
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