Supervisor: meaning, definitions and examples

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supervisor

[ˈsuːpərˌvaɪzər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

workplace

A person who oversees and directs the work of others, especially employees.

Synonyms

boss, foreman, manager.

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. My supervisor approved my vacation request The supervisor is responsible for ensuring safety regulations are followed
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. The store manager is in charge of inventory As a project manager, she coordinates the team's activities and communicates with clients
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. I have to ask my boss for a day off The boss wasn't happy with our sales figures this quarter
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. The foreman assigned the crew their tasks for the day The foreman ensures that the project is completed on schedule

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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. My supervisor approved my vacation request. She is the supervisor of the research team.
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. The head teacher organized a meeting with the parents. Our head teacher has 20 years of teaching experience.
department head	Typically used in an educational or corporate environment to refer to the leader of a specific department or division. The department head announced the new curriculum changes. He is the department head of human resources.
lead educator	Used mainly in educational environments to describe an experienced teacher who guides other educators and ensures high teaching standards. She was promoted to lead educator because of her innovative teaching methods. The lead educator provides training for new teachers.

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.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

psychology

A person who provides guidance and support in a therapeutic or counseling setting.

Synonyms

counselor, mentor, therapist.

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. My supervisor gave me feedback on my project. The supervisor is responsible for ensuring the team meets its goals.
counselor	Used to describe a professional who provides guidance and support, especially in emotional, mental health, or educational contexts. I spoke with a school counselor about my college options. She sees a counselor once a week to manage her anxiety.
therapist	Used to describe a professional who provides treatment for mental, emotional, or physical issues, often in a clinical or medical setting. She is seeing a therapist to deal with her depression. The physical therapist helped him recover after his surgery.
mentor	Used in contexts where someone provides advice, guidance, and support, usually in a professional or personal development setting. My mentor helped me navigate the challenges of my new job. Having a mentor made a big difference in my career growth.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "supervisor" in other languages:

🇵🇹 supervisor

🇮🇳 पर्यवेक्षक

🇩🇪 Vorgesetzter

🇮🇩 pengawas

🇺🇦 наглядач

🇵🇱 nadzorca

🇯🇵 監督者 (かんとくしゃ)

🇫🇷 superviseur

🇪🇸 supervisor

🇹🇷 gözetmen

🇰🇷 감독관 (gamdokgwan)

🇸🇦 مشرف

🇨🇿 dohližitel

🇸🇰 dozorca

🇨🇳 监督者 (jiāndūzhě)

🇸🇮 nadzornik

🇮🇸 eftirlitsmaður

🇰🇿 бақылаушы

🇬🇪 მეთვალყურე

🇦🇿 nəzarətçi

🇲🇽 supervisor

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,186 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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5183 cousin
5184 inserting
5185 rated
5186 supervisor
5187 caution
5188 disc
5189 historian
...