Definitions
- Referring to something that is irrelevant or unrelated to the topic at hand. - Describing something that is unnecessary or not essential to the main point. - Talking about something that is external or outside of the main focus.
- Referring to something that is excessive or more than what is necessary. - Describing something that is redundant or repetitive. - Talking about something that is surplus or unnecessary.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is unnecessary or not needed.
- 2Both words can be used to criticize or suggest removal of something.
- 3Both words can be used to refer to something that is excessive or redundant.
What is the difference?
- 1Focus: Extraneous emphasizes something that is unrelated or not essential, while superfluous emphasizes something that is excessive or redundant.
- 2Usage: Extraneous is often used in academic or technical contexts, while superfluous can be used in a wider range of contexts.
- 3Connotation: Extraneous has a neutral connotation, while superfluous can have a negative connotation of being wasteful or unnecessary.
Remember this!
Extraneous and superfluous are synonyms that describe something that is unnecessary or not needed. However, extraneous emphasizes something that is unrelated or not essential, while superfluous emphasizes something that is excessive or redundant. Extraneous is often used in academic or technical contexts, while superfluous can be used in a wider range of contexts and can have a negative connotation.
