What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supererogation
Example
The firefighter's bravery in rescuing the cat from the burning building was an act of supererogation. [supererogation: noun]
Example
She volunteered to work overtime without being asked, which was an act of supererogation. [supererogation: noun]
excess
Example
He ate to excess at the buffet and felt sick afterwards. [excess: noun]
Example
Her excessive spending on clothes left her with no money for rent. [excessive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Excess is a more common word than supererogation in everyday language. Excess is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while supererogation is less common and refers to a specific type of voluntary action.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supererogation and excess?
While supererogation is typically associated with a formal and academic tone, excess is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
