What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supernumerous
Example
The company had to lay off some employees due to the supernumerous staff. [supernumerous: adjective]
Example
The supernumerous amount of food at the party went to waste. [supernumerous: adjective]
superfluous
Example
The extra decorations were superfluous and didn't add anything to the room. [superfluous: adjective]
Example
The long introduction was superfluous and didn't contribute to the main point of the presentation. [superfluous: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Superfluous is more commonly used than supernumerous in everyday language. Superfluous is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while supernumerous is less common and typically used in formal or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supernumerous and superfluous?
Supernumerous is more formal than superfluous. It is often used in technical or academic writing, while superfluous can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
