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Superfluous

adjectivePronunciation: /suːˈpɜːr.flu.əs/

In Portuguese: Supérfluo

What does “Superfluous” mean?

Exceeding what is sufficient, necessary, or useful.

Etymology

From Latin superfluus, "running over, overflowing", from superfluere, composed of super-, "over, above", and fluere, "to flow". The Latin word carried the image of a liquid that exceeds the vessel and spills, and from that came the sense of anything that goes beyond what is needed. The same root fluere gives English fluid, fluent and affluent.

Usage note

A formal word, more common in writing than in speech. It carries a mild tone of criticism, suggesting that the excess is unwelcome.

Synonyms

Word family

  • superfluity
  • superfluously

Usage examples

  • Everything that is superfluous is temporary and untrue, Leafcutter.

    Issue.12 - Semiotics

  • Everything that is superfluous is temporary and untrue, Leafcutter.

Concept

Source editions

Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.

Words of the same theme

Buttonnoun
A physical or graphical control element that triggers an immediate action or command when pressed or clicked. In software interfaces, buttons communicate system affordances through visual boundaries and labels.
recipientnoun
The person who receives something. In communication, the one to whom a message is addressed and who interprets it, as opposed to the sender who composes it.
Typographynoun
The art and technique of arranging type to make written language legible, readable, and visually appealing. It encompasses typeface selection, point size, line spacing, tracking, and spatial kerning.
iconnoun
A simplified image that represents a thing by resembling it. In semiotics, a sign that signifies through likeness; in digital interfaces, a small picture that stands for an object or a function.
Screennoun
A flat physical display surface on an electronic device that projects visual images, interfaces, and text to a viewer. It serves as the primary visual output medium for modern personal computers and mobile phones.
wireframenoun
A skeletal visual guide that outlines the basic structure, hierarchy, and functionality of a user interface.
symbolismnoun
The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities, and the set of meanings that a form, an image or an object carries beyond its literal sense.
Desaturationnoun
The progressive loss or removal of chromatic intensity, rendering a color closer to a neutral gray.
Rendernoun
A finished two-dimensional image or video generated from a three-dimensional mathematical scene by computer software. It synthesizes geometric coordinates, lighting algorithms, textures, and shading into final pixels.
pain pointnoun
A specific problem, difficulty or frustration that a person experiences when using a product or a service, and that design or marketing sets out to solve.
briefingnoun
A concise set of instructions or background information provided to guide a project or creative assignment.
Artisannoun
A skilled craftsperson who manufactures tangible or digital goods with exceptional manual dexterity and care.

Also from these editions: terms

Monoclenoun
A single eyeglass lens designed to correct or enhance vision in one eye, held in place by the facial muscles around the eye socket.
Pollinationnoun
The transfer of pollen grains from the male anther to the female stigma of a flower, enabling fertilization and seed production.
Dissectverb
To cut apart or systematically separate components of an organism or complex idea in order to examine its structure in detail.
Ephemeraladjective
Lasting for only a very brief period of time; fleeting, transitory, or impermanent in nature.
Semioticsnoun
The study of signs, symbols, and the processes of signification: how meaning is created and communicated through visual, verbal, and cultural systems.
Superficialitynoun
The quality of lacking depth of character, serious thought, or profound substance, remaining confined to outward appearances.
Symbolnoun
A mark, sign, character, or visual emblem used as a conventional representation of an object, function, concept, or abstract idea.
Paradoxnoun
A statement, situation, or person that appears contradictory or absurd yet may reveal a deeper underlying truth.
Exuberancenoun
The state or quality of being effusively enthusiastic, abundantly productive, or lavish in growth.
Vitalitynoun
The state of being strong, active, and full of life or vigor.
Fragileadjective
Easily broken, damaged, or disrupted, requiring delicate handling and protective consideration.
Synergicadjective
Working together cooperatively in such a way that the combined effect is greater than the sum of separate actions.

Also from these editions: concepts

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Cite this entry

“Superfluous”. Agency Wiki, Agency Brasil. Published on November 11, 2026. https://www.agencybrasil.com/en/wiki/dictionary/superfluous