What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
upper
Example
She wore an upper garment with a matching skirt. [upper: adjective]
Example
The upper management team made the final decision. [upper: noun]
Example
The river flows from its upper reaches to the lower delta. [upper: adjective]
superior
Example
The superior quality of the fabric made it worth the price. [superior: adjective]
Example
The CEO is the superior of all the department heads. [superior: noun]
Example
He is a superior athlete compared to his peers. [superior: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Superior is more commonly used than upper in everyday language, especially in formal or academic contexts. Superior has a broader range of applications and a positive connotation of excellence, making it a more versatile and preferred choice for many situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between upper and superior?
Superior is generally considered more formal than upper, as it is often used in academic, professional, or hierarchical contexts. However, both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context and tone of the communication.
