Superiors
/səˈpɪəriərz/
Definitions
2 meaningsPeople who hold a higher position or rank than you, such as bosses, managers, or officers.
/səˈpɪəriərz/
People higher in rank or status.
The new manager quickly established a good relationship with her superiors.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're on a team, like at work. Your superiors are the people who are in charge of the team and tell you what to do. They're like the captains or the coaches!
👶 For kids: People who are above you in charge, like your teacher or your parents.
More Examples
He took a leave of absence, informing his superiors about the situation.
She was promoted due to her outstanding performance, much to the chagrin of her former superiors.
How It's Used
"Employees must follow the instructions of their superiors."
"Soldiers are expected to obey their superiors' orders."
"Students should respect their superiors in the educational system."
Having higher quality, rank, or status; better than average.
/səˈpɪəriər/
Being higher in position or status.
They offer superior service.
💡 Simply: When something is superior, it's like it's a star performer! It's better than the rest, like the best toy or the most delicious cookie.
👶 For kids: Better than others.
More Examples
This is a superior model.
His superior knowledge helped them win the competition.
How It's Used
"The manager has superior decision-making skills."
"This is a superior product."
Synonyms
Administrators
Authorities
Bosses
Leaders
Managers
Officials
Better
Elite
Excellent
Finer
Greater
Higher
Idioms & expressions
superior to
Feeling or behaving as if one is better than someone else.
"She felt superior to her classmates because she was from a wealthy family."
From Latin *superior* ("higher, above"), comparative form of *super* ("above"). Used since the 15th century.
Used from the 15th century, initially to denote high-ranking people, and later applied to qualities.
Memory tip
Think of people who have "super" powers or authority over you. They are your superiors.
Practice
Word Origin
Root: super