What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
senior
Example
The senior members of the team have been with the company for over a decade. [senior: adjective]
Example
She was promoted to senior manager after years of hard work and dedication. [senior: noun]
Example
I'm looking forward to my senior year of college and all the exciting opportunities it will bring. [senior: adjective]
superior
Example
The superior quality of the product is what sets it apart from its competitors. [superior: adjective]
Example
He reports directly to his superior, the CEO of the company. [superior: noun]
Example
She always acts as if she is superior to everyone else in the room. [superior: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Senior is more commonly used than superior in everyday language, especially in the context of organizational hierarchy. Superior is more formal and less commonly used in everyday conversation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between senior and superior?
Superior is generally more formal than senior, and is often used in professional or academic settings to describe a higher quality or standard.
