What does the prefix super- mean?
Super- comes from the Latin super, which means "over" or "above". It shows a level higher than normal. The central idea is always "more than the standard".
ESEN
Prefix · above / superior level
super-
Signals a superior level or top quality: superhero, supernatural, supermarket, superhuman.
Basic
Written by Bryan López, English teacher · Updated
Super- in today's English
Super- is one of the most productive prefixes in modern, informal English: you can attach it to almost any adjective to strengthen it. It also works as a word on its own, in phrases like "That's super!", which means "How great!". It is the prefix of the exceptional, so it is very easy to understand and to use.
How it is used
Attaches to nouns and adjectives with no spelling change:
- super- + nounhero → superheromarket → supermarketman → supermanstar → superstar
- super- + adjectivenatural → supernaturalhuman → superhumanfast → superfastcharged → supercharged
Pronunciation: /ˈsuːpər/, stressed on the first syllable. The "u" is long, as in "moon."
How it is pronounced
super-/ˈsuːpər/
Tap the button to hear how the prefix sounds. Each word in the table has its own audio.
Examples
Root word
With super-
In a phrase
- herosuperheroKids who grow up reading superhero comics often value justice.
- naturalsupernaturalThe old house had a reputation for supernatural events.
- marketsupermarketShe does the weekly shopping at the supermarket downtown.
- humansuperhumanThe athlete showed superhuman endurance throughout the entire race.
- starsuperstarWithin three years of her debut, she became an international superstar.
- powersuperpowerStaying calm under pressure feels like an actual superpower.
- chargedsuperchargedThe new engine is supercharged and delivers much more power.
Common mistakes
"superior" is formed from super- in modern English
"superior" is a Latin word in its own right, not a modern super- compound
"Superior" comes from Latin "superius" (comparative of superus). It is not formed from super- in modern English. Superior = of higher rank or quality than another.
supernatural = same as paranormal
supernatural is broader: it includes the divine, the magical, and the paranormal
"Supernatural" covers all phenomena beyond natural laws: gods, magic, ghosts, miracles. "Paranormal" is more specific: phenomena that defy conventional scientific explanation. Supernatural is the broader category.
A trick to remember it
Picture a superhero, someone above ordinary people: super- = above, maximum. superhero, supermarket.
Practise what you learned
Exercise 1 · Form the word
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
"She does the weekly shopping at a large ___ that sells everything from fresh produce to electronics."
Exercise 3 · Pick the right one
What is the difference between "supernatural" and "paranormal"?
Frequently asked questions
What does the prefix super- mean in English?
The prefix super- signals a superior level or top quality: superhero, supernatural, supermarket, superhuman.
How do you pronounce super-?
The prefix super- is pronounced /ˈsuːpər/. For example, "superhero".
Can you give an example of a word with super-?
"hero" becomes "superhero". It is a typical example of the super- prefix.
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