Word part · Latin prefix
Prefix super- words: meaning and 14 examples
In short
The Latin prefix super- (from Latin) means "above, over, or more than usual". Words with it include superfluous, superhero, superheroes, superstar, superhuman and supernatural. Super- can mean above in place (superscript sits above the line) or beyond the usual (superhuman strength).
- Part
- super-
- Meaning
- above, over, or more than usual
- Origin
- Latin
- Words listed
- 14
Super- can mean above in place (superscript sits above the line) or beyond the usual (superhuman strength).
Words with the Latin prefix super-
The list runs from shorter, common words to longer ones. The bands are a rough guide built from syllable count and how common each word is in our word list, not a grade-level standard. Read each word, then its word sum.
Colors:prefixroot or basesuffix
Next: longer words (about grades 5 and 6)
| Word | Word sum | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| superfluous | super (prefix)+flu (root or base)+ous (suffix)→superfluous | more than is needed; overflowing |
| superstar | super (prefix)+star (root or base)→superstar | a star much more famous than most |
| superscript | super (prefix)+script (root or base)→superscript | a small mark written above the line |
| superstore | super (prefix)+store (root or base)→superstore | a very large store |
| supervise | super (prefix)+vise (root or base)→supervise | watch over people while they work |
| supervisor | super (prefix)+vis (root or base)+or (suffix)→supervisor | a person who watches over workers |
More words: superior
Stretch: long or less common words (about grades 7 and 8)
| Word | Word sum | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| superhero | super (prefix)+hero (root or base)→superhero | a hero with powers beyond a person's |
| superheroes | super (prefix)+hero (root or base)+es (suffix)→superheroes | more than one superhero |
| superhuman | super (prefix)+human (root or base)→superhuman | beyond what a human can usually do |
| supernatural | super (prefix)+nature (root or base)+al (suffix)→supernaturaldrop the e | beyond the laws of nature |
| superpower | super (prefix)+power (root or base)→superpower | a power beyond the usual |
| supersonic | super (prefix)+sonic (root or base)→supersonic | faster than the speed of sound |
| supervision | super (prefix)+vis (root or base)+ion (suffix)→supervision | the act of watching over others |
How do you teach the prefix super-?
Students already own superhero, so start there and ask what makes a hero super. The answer is powers above a normal person's. That gives you the meaning: above, or more than usual. Then show the place meaning with superscript, the small number written above the line in math. Supervise is a good stretch word: super (over) plus vise (see), to watch over.
A quick routine
Write super on the board. Say, "Super means above, or more than usual. Every word I show you has something above the normal." Show superhero, supersonic, superscript and supervise. For each, the student finishes the sentence, "It is above..." (a normal person, the speed of sound, the line, the workers). Then the student writes one super word of their own and explains it.
What do students mix up with super-?
Students know super as a plain word meaning great, so they may think every super word is a compliment. Supervise and superscript are neutral. Superb and superior come from the same Latin word, but they have no base to show. Superintendent is long but works like supervise: someone who looks over a school district.
Some of these words change spelling where the parts join. The spelling rules pages cover dropping e, doubling and changing y to i. For the sounds inside these words, see the phonics word lists. Routines that fit: meanings of prefixes and suffixes, circle the parts, read the base and flexible routine for big words.
Questions people ask
What does the prefix super- mean?
Super- means "above, over, or more than usual". It is a Latin prefix. Super- can mean above in place (superscript sits above the line) or beyond the usual (superhuman strength).
What are some words with the prefix super-?
Start with superfluous, superstar, superscript and superstore. Then move to superhero and superheroes. This page lists 14 words in all, most with a word sum that shows the parts.
What is the difference between super- and hyper-?
Both can mean over or more than usual. Super- is Latin and appears in many everyday words. Hyper- is Greek and usually means too much, as in hyperactive. A superhero is impressive, but hyperactive is a warning.
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