Definitions
- Describing a liquid that has settled and is floating above a solid or sediment. - Referring to the upper layer of a mixture that can be separated by decantation or centrifugation. - Talking about a solution that has undergone precipitation, leaving a clear liquid on top.
- Referring to something that is unnecessary or excessive. - Describing something that is redundant or surplus to requirements. - Talking about something that is extra or more than what is needed.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words start with the prefix 'super-' which means 'above' or 'beyond'.
- 2Both words describe something that is not essential or necessary.
- 3Both words are adjectives that describe something that is extra or surplus to requirements.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Supernatant is used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a specific physical property of liquids, while superfluous is used in general contexts to describe something that is unnecessary or excessive.
- 2Meaning: Supernatant describes a physical property of liquids, while superfluous describes a quality or characteristic of something that is not needed.
- 3Connotation: Supernatant has a neutral connotation, while superfluous has a negative connotation.
- 4Scope: Supernatant is limited to describing liquids, while superfluous can be used to describe anything that is not essential or necessary.
Remember this!
Supernatant and superfluous are two words that describe something that is not essential or necessary. However, supernatant is used in scientific or technical contexts to describe a specific physical property of liquids, while superfluous is used in general contexts to describe something that is unnecessary or excessive. Additionally, supernatant has a neutral connotation, while superfluous has a negative connotation.
