superfluous
/suːˈpɜːfluəs/ (bre, ipa) · [sˈupɚflwˌʌs] /suːˈpɜːrfluəs/ (ame, ipa) · [sˈupɚflwˌʌs] /su̇-ˈpər-flü-əs How to pronounce superfluous (audio)/ (ame, mw)
superfluous — adjective
- superfluouspositive
- more superfluouscomparative
- most superfluoussuperlative
1. existing or supplied in a quantity that goes beyond what is necessary or useful,
existing or supplied in a quantity that goes beyond what is necessary or useful, so that the extra part serves no real purpose
Vivek crossed out several superfluous items from the trip packing list.
superfluous + noun (items)
Théo thought the long introduction was superfluous and asked to skip it.
Many users considered the new software features completely superfluous.
Manuela removed the superfluous decorations from her office to create a cleaner look.
Femi thought it was superfluous to buy a fourth jacket when he already owned three.
- unnecessary
broader and less formal; 'unnecessary' simply means not needed, while 'superfluous' suggests excess beyond what is required
- redundant
often implies something was once useful but is no longer needed because it has been replaced or duplicated
- excessive
focuses on degree rather than necessity; 'excessive' means too much, while 'superfluous' emphasizes lack of need
- surplus
neutral and factual; 'surplus' describes what remains after needs are met, without the negative judgement of 'superfluous'
文法句型
superfluous + noun
be + superfluous
it is superfluous to + verb
find/consider/regard + noun + superfluous
用法筆記
More formal than 'unnecessary' or 'extra'. Common in academic, professional, and editorial contexts. Can be used in the pattern 'it is superfluous to + infinitive' (e.g., 'it is superfluous to repeat the instructions').