Supervise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
👀
supervise
[ˈsuːpərvaɪz ]
Definition
at work
To supervise means to oversee and direct the work of others to ensure that tasks are completed correctly and efficiently.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| supervise |
Used when overseeing someone's work or behavior to ensure jobs are done correctly, especially in a professional or educational setting.
|
| monitor |
Used when you need to observe or keep track of processes or situations over time without necessarily intervening.
|
| manage |
Commonly used in professional or organizational contexts where you are responsible for controlling or organizing resources, people, or tasks.
|
| direct |
Appropriate for situations where you are giving specific instructions or guidance to someone, often associated with leadership roles or creative fields.
|
Examples of usage
- He supervises a team of developers to ensure the project is completed on time.
- The manager supervises the production line to maintain quality standards.
- The teacher supervises the students during the exam to prevent cheating.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- In schools, teachers supervise students to ensure they understand their lessons and behave appropriately.
- Supervision is crucial during group activities to foster teamwork and learning.
- Many educational frameworks emphasize the importance of supervision for effective learning experiences.
Workplace
- In a job setting, supervisors lead teams, ensuring tasks are completed and that employees are supported.
- Supervisory roles often require strong communication skills to effectively guide and motivate staff.
- Supervisors are usually responsible for performance reviews and team development.
Psychology
- Supervision in psychology refers to the process where experienced practitioners mentor less experienced ones.
- This mentoring relationship enhances professional development and ensures quality care in mental health services.
- Research shows that effective supervision can reduce burnout and improve job satisfaction among caregivers.
Arts
- In filmmaking, a supervisor oversees specific aspects like editing or sound design to ensure coherence in the final product.
- Art supervisors in galleries curate collections, ensuring that exhibits reflect thematic consistency and artistic quality.
- In theater, stage supervisors are responsible for coordinating between actors, directors, and technical crews.
Origin of 'supervise'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'supervisere', which means 'to look over'.
- It combines the prefix 'super-' meaning 'above' with 'videre', meaning 'to see'.
- The term has been in use in English since the early 15th century.
The word 'supervise' originated from the Latin word 'supervidere', which means 'to oversee'. The concept of supervision has been important throughout history in various fields, including work environments, education, and management.
See also: super, superb, superficial, superfluous, superior, superlative.