Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Supervene Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌌
Add to dictionary

supervene

[ˌsuːpəˈviːn ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

philosophy, law

To supervene means that something occurs as an addition or occurrence in relation to a previously established situation or set of events. In philosophical contexts, it often refers to a state or condition that arises as a consequence of another.

Synonyms

ensue, follow, result.

Examples of usage

  • The changes in weather patterns may supervene on climate change.
  • New laws can supervene on existing legal frameworks.
  • In the argument, the outcome of the debate may supervene on public opinion.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • In philosophy, 'supervenience' pertains to how one set of properties can depend on another, such as mental states depending on physical states.
  • This concept is often discussed in debates around mind-body dualism, exploring if and how mental properties can change as physical properties do.

Science

  • In the context of biology, supervening conditions can refer to factors that emerge in an ecosystem as it evolves.
  • The idea can also be applied in chemistry, where the properties of a compound can supervene based on the arrangement of its atoms.

Literature

  • In stories, unexpected events can supervene on the main plot, creating twists that surprise the audience.
  • Authors often use the technique of supervenience to develop themes, with new elements emerging that connect back to earlier plot points.

Psychology

  • Decision-making processes often involve supervening effects where new information changes previous judgments.
  • An example can be seen in behavioral changes that supervene when stressors are introduced, altering prior behaviors or emotional states.

Origin of 'supervene'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'supervenire', meaning 'to come upon' or 'to arrive on top of'.
  • It combines 'super-', which means 'over' or 'above', with 'venire', meaning 'to come'.
  • The term started being used in English in the early 17th century.

The word 'supervene' originates from the Latin 'supervenire', from 'super-' meaning 'above' and 'venire' meaning 'to come'. The term entered the English language in the late 17th century, primarily used in philosophical discussions to describe events or conditions that follow others. Over time, it has been utilized in various contexts, including law, where it describes the addition of statutes or regulations that impact existing laws.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,453, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.