Supervise

/ˈsuːpərvaɪz/

verbmediumCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

To oversee and control the activities of someone or something.

/ˈsuːpərvaɪz/

verbneutralmedium
General

To watch over and direct the work of others

The manager will supervise the employees' performance.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're a coach. When you supervise, you're like the coach who watches the players and makes sure they're doing their best and following the rules. You're keeping an eye on things to make sure it's all going well!

👶 For kids: To watch over someone or something to make sure they're doing okay.

More Examples

2

The construction foreman supervised the building of the new bridge.

3

A senior researcher supervises junior scientists in the lab.

How It's Used

Business

"The project manager supervises the team to ensure timely completion."

Education

"The teacher supervises the students during the exam."

Idioms & expressions

under supervision

Being watched and directed by someone in authority.

"The intern worked under the supervision of a senior doctor."

From Late Latin *supervidere* 'to oversee,' from Latin *super* 'over' + *videre* 'to see'.

The term 'supervise' has been used in English since the 16th century, reflecting the increasing importance of organization and control in various fields.

Memory tip

Think of a "super" visor – someone who sees over everything.

superviseesupervize

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written