C1adjective2K

Superior

UK /["/suːˈpɪəriə(r)/"]/US /["/suːˈpɪriər/"]/

Definition

better in quality than somebody/something else; greater than somebody/something else

In simple words: Better than others in quality or status.

Examples

  • She has a superior knowledge of the subject compared to her classmates.
  • The hotel's superior rooms offer better views and more amenities.
  • His superior attitude made him unpopular among his peers.
  • The general reported to his superior officer before making any decisions.
  • Her superior work ethic is the reason for her rapid promotion.
  • This product is superior in quality to anything else on the market.
  • The town is located on a hill, giving it a superior position overlooking the valley.
  • Employees must report any issues to their superior immediately.

Usage notes

Use 'superior' when comparing quality or rank, especially in a formal context. Avoid in casual conversations where simpler words might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

superior + to/over + object

Memory hint

Think of a 'super hero' being better than others.

Collocations

  • be
  • look
  • prove (yourself)
  • clearly
  • distinctly
  • far
  • in
  • to
  • be
  • look
  • prove (yourself)
  • clearly
  • distinctly
  • far
  • in
  • to

Synonyms

  • arrogant

Antonyms

  • inferior
  • substandard
  • lesser

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'superiority' which is a noun.
  • Incorrectly used as a noun instead of an adjective.
  • Used without comparison when it should be.