supervise
SOO-per-vyze
/ˈsuːpərvaɪz/
To observe and direct the execution of a task, project, or activity by workers.
Directly managing workers on the ground to ensure work meets quality standards.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'super-'' meaning 'over' and 'videre' meaning 'to see'. Literally, 'supervise' means 'to look over' or 'to see from above'. It described overseers watching builders on ancient scaffolds.
Word relationships
- manage: Manage often includes financial and strategic aspects beyond on-site worker observation.
- oversee: Oversee can be high-level and distant, whereas supervise usually involves hands-on presence.
- ignore: To deliberately pay no attention to ongoing activities.
- mismanage: To direct or control something inefficiently or dishonesty.
Commonly confused with
- supervise: Supervise is to direct people; advise is merely to give recommendations.
Word family
- supervision (noun): The act of supervising.
- supervisor (noun): A person who supervises workers.
Collocations
- directly supervise
- supervise construction
- supervise workers
- closely supervise
Idioms & expressions
- under direct supervision
Example sentences
- "The site foreman must supervise all concrete pours to ensure the proper ratio is maintained." Foreman Duties
Memory hook
A SUPER-VISION allows you to SUPERVISE workers clearly from above. Super vision to watch over the build.
When not to use
Do not use 'supervise' for self-managed or automated operations.
Fun facts
- The word 'supervisor' originally referred specifically to church bishops who watched over congregations before becoming standard construction jargon.
Related words
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.