superfluous
Say it: soo-PUR-floo-us /suˈpɝfluəs/ · adjective
What “superfluous” means
Extra and not needed.
More precisely: More than is needed; unnecessary.
Example: “Cut the superfluous slides and the talk will be twice as strong.”
When to use it
In fairly formal feedback, when something already works well and an extra detail, object or step adds nothing useful.
Memory trick
Picture an extra umbrella held above someone already standing safely under a roof.
Similar words
unnecessary, redundant, excess
Where it comes from
From Latin superfluus, "overflowing."
Quick check
Your coat already keeps you dry, but someone insists you wear another waterproof coat over it. The extra coat is…
essential or superfluous?
Show the answer
superfluous
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