Supervisor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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supervisor
[ˈsuːpərˌvaɪzər ]
Definitions
workplace
A person who oversees and directs the work of others, especially employees.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| supervisor |
This term is typically used in a formal work environment to refer to someone who oversees the work of others, often in settings like offices, factories, or service industries.
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| manager |
A common term used across various industries to refer to someone who is responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing employees and operations within a company or department. It often implies a higher level of authority and responsibility.
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| boss |
A more casual and colloquial term used to refer to someone who has authority over you at work. It can be used in various settings and is often imprecise about the specific role or level of authority.
|
| foreman |
A term primarily used in construction, manufacturing, and other industrial settings to refer to someone who oversees a group of workers on-site. This person is responsible for the direct management and coordination of tasks.
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Examples of usage
- The supervisor checked in with each employee to see how their tasks were progressing.
- The supervisor was responsible for making sure all deadlines were met.
education
A teacher in a school who is in charge of a particular department or subject.
Synonyms
department head, head teacher, lead educator.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| supervisor |
Commonly used in a workplace or academic setting to describe someone who oversees and coordinates the work of employees, students, or tasks.
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| head teacher |
Often used in a school setting to describe a teacher who has additional responsibilities, such as administrative duties or leadership roles within the school.
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| department head |
Typically used in an educational or corporate environment to refer to the leader of a specific department or division.
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| lead educator |
Used mainly in educational environments to describe an experienced teacher who guides other educators and ensures high teaching standards.
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Examples of usage
- The English supervisor organized a field trip for the students to enhance their learning experience.
- The science supervisor conducted regular meetings with the department staff.
psychology
A person who provides guidance and support in a therapeutic or counseling setting.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| supervisor |
Used in a work or educational setting to refer to someone who oversees and evaluates the performance of others.
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| counselor |
Used to describe a professional who provides guidance and support, especially in emotional, mental health, or educational contexts.
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| therapist |
Used to describe a professional who provides treatment for mental, emotional, or physical issues, often in a clinical or medical setting.
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| mentor |
Used in contexts where someone provides advice, guidance, and support, usually in a professional or personal development setting.
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Examples of usage
- The supervisor helped the client explore their emotions and develop coping strategies.
- The supervisor encouraged the client to set achievable goals for personal growth.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Workplace Dynamics
- Effective supervisors can boost team morale and productivity by providing guidance and support.
- Certain industries require supervisory roles to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
- Supervisors often act as a bridge between upper management and employees, facilitating communication.
Psychology
- Research shows that good supervisors can significantly reduce workplace stress and increase job satisfaction among employees.
- The supervisory relationship can impact employee performance, motivation, and engagement levels.
- Supervision styles vary, with some emphasizing control while others focus more on empowerment and collaboration.
Education
- In academic settings, supervisors often guide student projects and research, ensuring quality and adherence to standards.
- Supervisory roles are crucial in practicum experiences for students in fields like teaching, nursing, and social work.
- Training programs often include elements on effective supervision to better prepare future leaders.
Pop Culture
- The portrayal of supervisors in films and TV shows often reflects power dynamics, with many being depicted as either strict or supportive.
- Popular television series often include quirky or comedic supervisors as central characters to highlight workplace antics.
- Reality shows often emphasize the role of supervisors for managing teams and guiding competitions, showcasing leadership styles.
Origin of 'supervisor'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'supervisorem', meaning 'one who looks over'.
- It was first used in English in the early 18th century, originally describing someone who oversaw work or tasks.
- In various languages, similar terms exist, indicating the role's importance in workplaces globally.
The word 'supervisor' originated in the late 14th century from the Latin word 'supervidere', which means 'to oversee'. It has been used in various contexts over the centuries, evolving to its current meaning of a person who oversees and directs the work of others. The role of a supervisor has become essential in modern workplaces to ensure efficiency and productivity.
See also: supervised, supervising, supervision, supervisory, unsupervised.