Superfluous

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /suːˈpɜːflu.É™s/, /sjʊˈpɜːflu.É™s/
• US IPA: /suːˈpɝːflu.É™s/

Origin

From Latin superfluus ("superfluous"), from superfluō ("overflow"), from super ("above,more than, over") + fluō ("flow"). Compare mellifluous and fluid, also from Latin. Literally corresponds to overflow, which is from Germanic, rather than Latin.

Full definition of superfluous

Adjective

1. In excess of what is required or sufficient.With a full rain suit, carrying an umbrella may be superfluous.

Synonyms

• excessive, extraneous, extra, pleonastic, supernumerary, surplus, unnecessary, extravagant

Coordinate terms

• gratuitous

Related terms

• superflux
• superfluity
• mellifluous