What does super mean?
Super is a flexible informal word used chiefly to mean excellent or impressive, very large or powerful, or very intense. As an adjective, it can describe someone or something as “super,” as in “a super singer,” while as an adverb it intensifies another expression: “super fast” or “super excited.” Its use often conveys enthusiasm and informality rather than technical precision, so formal writing usually favors excellent, impressive, very, or extremely. The word can also function as an informal noun for an exceptional person or thing. Although it has become especially familiar through casual conversation and online communication, it is also established in compounds such as supercomputer. Historically, super comes through French from Latin, where its root conveyed the idea of being above, beyond, or exceeding ordinary limits, a sense still visible in related words such as superior and supreme.
Excellent, impressive, or unusually good; also, in some contexts, very large or powerful.
"The team gave a super performance in the final."
Informal; often expressing enthusiastic approval.
Very or extremely.
"The trail was super steep."
Informal and especially common in casual speech and writing.
An exceptional or particularly capable person or thing.
"She is a super when it comes to organizing difficult projects."
Informal; in some uses, it can also refer to a superintendent.
The plural is uncommon because the noun sense is informal and generally used of a single exceptional person or thing.
"The coaches treated the young players as supers."
The everyday word super began as a formal term meaning 'above' or 'beyond,' then developed into an all-purpose word for things that are exceptionally good or unusually intense.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does super come from?
The English word entered through French super, from the Latin adverb super, meaning 'above,' 'over,' or 'beyond.' It was originally used in contexts involving what was higher, greater, or more important. The word developed broader meanings, including superiority and then modern informal expressions of excellence and intensity. Its Latin root is shared with English words such as superior, supreme, and superlative.
Related word forms
How super is actually used
As an adjective and adverb, super is informal and especially common in speech, informal writing, and digital communication. As a noun, it is informal and may refer to an especially capable person; in some contexts it can also mean a superintendent.