Supervisory - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

workplace

Relating to, or having the function of supervising or directing.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
supervisory	Used to describe roles or actions related to overseeing and ensuring tasks are completed correctly, often seen in job titles. She was promoted to a supervisory position at the company His supervisory duties include managing a team of five people
managerial	Related to the skills, duties, or activities of a manager, often involving decision-making and planning. He has strong managerial skills which make him an effective leader She attended a workshop to improve her managerial abilities
overseeing	Focused on watching and ensuring the proper execution of tasks or projects, typically involves a higher level of engagement. She is responsible for overseeing the construction project He spent the day overseeing the work of his team
directive	Used when giving orders or instructions that must be followed, often in formal or authoritative environments. The manager issued a directive to increase production by 5% The government's directive was clear: conserve water during the drought

Examples of usage

The supervisory staff is responsible for overseeing the daily operations.
Her role in the company is primarily supervisory, focusing on managing the team.
The supervisory board meets once a month to discuss company policies.

Interesting Facts

Workplace Dynamics

Supervisors play a crucial role in employee training and development, ensuring tasks meet company standards.
Effective supervisors are linked to higher employee satisfaction and productivity, creating a better work environment.

Psychology

Studies show that positive supervisory feedback can significantly boost an employee's self-esteem and motivation.
The supervisory relationship can influence team dynamics and overall mental wellbeing in the workplace.

Education

In educational settings, a supervisory role can involve mentoring students and guiding research projects.
Supervisory teachers oversee classroom management and curriculum delivery, helping to shape the learning experience.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict supervisors in comedic or dramatic roles, showcasing the challenges of managing teams, like in the film 'The Office'.
In popular video games, characters often have supervisory roles, leading teams to complete missions or tasks.

Origin of 'supervisory'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Latin 'supervisus', which means 'oversee', combining 'super-' (over) and 'visus' (seen).
The concept of supervision has been around since ancient societies where leaders would oversee workers.

The word 'supervisory' originates from the Latin word 'supervidere', which means 'to oversee'. The term has been in use since the mid-19th century to describe roles or functions that involve overseeing or directing others in a professional environment.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,312 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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7309 forfeiture
7310 earnestly
7311 dissertation
7312 supervisory
7313 tenderness
7314 endowed
7315 thine
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Supervisory Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations