be superior to — to be better, higher in quality, or more excellent than someone or something else
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: to be better, higher in quality, or more excellent than someone or something else
Pronunciation (IPA): /bi səˈpɪriər tə/
Example Sentences
- My cat believes she is superior to every human in the house, and honestly, she might be right.
- Scientists proved that this new material is superior to steel in terms of strength and weight.
- He always acts superior to his coworkers, but everyone knows he still can't use the printer correctly.
be superior to
ADJECTIVE[/bi səˈpɪriər tə/]
to be better, higher in quality, or more excellent than someone or something else
This new engine is superior to the old one in every possible way.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The Latin adjective 'superior' developed as the comparative form of 'superus' (upper, above), literally meaning 'one who is higher up'. In Roman society, individuals of higher social rank were positioned physically higher when seated, allowing the spatial sense of 'above' to naturally extend to the abstract meaning of 'surpassing' or 'excelling'.
Breakdown
super- (above, over) + -ior (comparative suffix, more). The comparative morpheme -ior transforms the positional sense into a relational one: 'more above' or 'higher than', thus 'superior to' or 'surpassing'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My cat believes she is superior to every human in the house, and honestly, she might be right.”
“Scientists proved that this new material is superior to steel in terms of strength and weight.”
“He always acts superior to his coworkers, but everyone knows he still can't use the printer correctly.”
“In terms of fuel efficiency, electric cars are generally considered superior to gasoline cars.”
📚Related Words
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