superfluously
gb/sˈupɚflˈusli/ us/sˈupɚflˈusli/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
adverb
formal
C1
property
1
in an unnecessary or excessive way
In a way that is not needed; too much.
Usage pattern:
superfluously + [adjective/verb]; superfluously [adjective/verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Often confused with "superficially" (meaning "only on the surface").
Synonyms
unnecessarily (Most direct and common synonym.)
|
needlessly (Emphasizes that it could have been avoided.)
|
excessively (Stresses degree rather than lack of need.)
Antonyms
necessarily (Required or needed for a purpose.)
|
appropriately (Suitable and not more than needed.)
Collocations
superfluously complicated
|superfluously expensive
|superfluously detailed
|superfluously long
|superfluously ornate
|superfluously padded
|superfluously added
|superfluously included
|superfluously large
|superfluously elaborate
Themes
communication
|writing
|evaluation
Examples
- The app asks for superfluously detailed personal information.
- She packed superfluously for a two-day trip, bringing three suitcases.
- The report was superfluously complicated for such a simple problem.
Learner examples
- He spoke superfluously and confused everyone.
adverb
formal
C2
property
2
with unnecessary repetition or wording
With extra words that are not needed.
Usage pattern:
superfluously + [adjective]; superfluously [verb] (in writing/speech)
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it where simpler words like "too wordy" or "redundant" are more natural.
Synonyms
redundantly (Focuses on repetition of the same idea.)
|
wordily (Focuses on using too many words.)
Antonyms
concisely (Using few words without losing meaning.)
|
succinctly (Brief and clearly expressed.)
Collocations
superfluously wordy
|superfluously verbose
|superfluously redundant
|superfluously repetitive
|superfluously phrased
|superfluously explained
|superfluously stated
Themes
writing
|communication
|education
Examples
- The instructions are superfluously wordy and hard to follow.
- He superfluously repeated the same point in three different ways.
- Several paragraphs could be cut because they superfluously restate earlier sections.
Learner examples
- This sentence is superfluously long.
Grammar
Dictionary form
superfluously
IPA
GB/sˈupɚflˈusli/
US/sˈupɚflˈusli/
Syllables & stress
su - per - flu - ously (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (su)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: superfluously
- Plural: superfluouslies
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.