English · Adjectives
superfluous
/suːˈpɜː.flu.əs/
[/suːˈpɜː.flu.əs/]
more than needed
Advancedadjective
Definition
Unnecessary, especially because there is already enough of something.
Example
The detailed footnotes were helpful, but the lengthy appendix seemed entirely superfluous.
The detailed footnotes were helpful, but the lengthy appendix seemed entirely superfluous.
Etymology
From Latin 'superfluus' (overflowing), from 'super-' plus 'fluere' (to flow).
How & Where It’s Used
Used in formal and academic writing about excess.