Superfluity: meaning, definitions and examples

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superfluity

[ˌsuːpəˈfluːɪti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

excessive amount

The state of being more than is needed; an excessive amount. Superfluity can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts.

Synonyms

excess, overabundance, surplus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
superfluity	Used to describe an unnecessary amount of something, often in a negative or critical manner. The superfluity of decorations made the room look cluttered. In times of scarcity, superfluity becomes a problem.
excess	Used to describe an amount that is more than necessary, permitted, or desired; can have a neutral or negative connotation. He was fined for driving at an excess speed. Eating to excess can lead to health problems.
surplus	Refers to an amount of something left over when requirements have been met; generally has a neutral or positive connotation. The company had a surplus of raw materials at the end of the year. Farmers often sell their surplus produce at the market.
overabundance	Describes a situation where there is far too much of something, usually implying a problematic or wasteful scenario. The overabundance of rain caused the fields to flood. An overabundance of details can make the story confusing.

Examples of usage

There was a superfluity of food at the party, with leftovers for days.
The speech was filled with a superfluity of words, making it hard to follow.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

unnecessary detail

The inclusion of unnecessary or excessive details or elements. Superfluity in writing or speech can detract from the main message.

Synonyms

excessiveness, redundancy, verbosity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
superfluity	Use 'superfluity' when referring to an excessive amount of something that is unnecessary or more than what is needed, often seen in a formal context. The dinner table was laden with a superfluity of dishes, making it difficult to choose what to eat. Her wardrobe contained a superfluity of clothes, many of which she had never worn.
verbosity	Use 'verbosity' when someone uses too many words to express an idea, making their speech or writing unnecessarily long-winded, often in a negative way. The professor's verbosity made the lecture difficult to sit through. Editors worked hard to cut down the verbosity of the manuscript.
redundancy	Use 'redundancy' when something is unnecessary or no longer needed, often in the context of work, language, or technology. The company announced redundancies due to the economic downturn. His speech was filled with redundancies that made it hard to follow.
excessiveness	Use 'excessiveness' when describing too much of something, often implying a negative connotation that something is going beyond what is reasonable or proper. The excessiveness of his behavior at the party embarrassed everyone. She was criticized for the excessiveness of her spending during the trip.

Examples of usage

The article contained a superfluity of footnotes, making it hard to read.
Her explanation had so much superfluity that the main point was lost.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'superfluus', meaning 'overflowing', combining 'super' (over) and 'fluere' (to flow).
In medieval texts, it was often used to describe excessive wealth or unnecessary goods.
The word was popularized in English around the 14th century, with a focus on abundance beyond necessity.

Economics

In economics, superfluity can refer to surplus goods that exceed consumer demand.
This concept helps in analyzing market saturation and resource distribution.
Understanding superfluity is essential for businesses to avoid overproduction and waste.

Philosophy

Philosophers like Aristotle discussed the idea of superfluity when examining the nature of happiness and the good life.
In the context of ethics, some argue that superfluous wealth can divert focus from essential virtues.
The balance between necessity and excess is a recurring theme in philosophical discourse.

Literature

In literature, 'superfluity' often appears in discussions about characters that possess too much wealth or power.
Shakespeare used the term in 'Hamlet' to highlight excess in human desires and ambitions.
Contemporary novels frequently explore the consequences of living with superfluous resources.

Psychology

The concept of superfluity can relate to feelings of overwhelm when individuals have too many choices.
Cognitive overload may occur when faced with excessive information or options, leading to decision fatigue.
Minimalism advocates suggest reducing superfluities enhances mental clarity and improves well-being.

Translations

Translations of the word "superfluity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 superfluência

🇮🇳 अतिरिक्तता

🇩🇪 Überfluss

🇮🇩 kelebihan

🇺🇦 надмірність

🇵🇱 nadmiar

🇯🇵 余分

🇫🇷 superflu

🇪🇸 superfluidad

🇹🇷 gereklilik fazlası

🇰🇷 과잉

여분 (gwaying
yeobun)

🇸🇦 زيادة

🇨🇿 nadbytečnost

🇸🇰 nadbytočnosť

🇨🇳 过多

过剩 (guòduō
guòshèng)

🇸🇮 odvečnost

🇮🇸 óþarfa

🇰🇿 артықшылық

🇬🇪 ზედმეტობა

🇦🇿 artıqlıq

🇲🇽 superfluidad

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,262, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27259 conjuncture
27260 intermarried
27261 mastic
27262 superfluity
27263 seconding
27264 employable
27265 jeered
...