supercede: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, official, legal, academic, technical.
Quick answer
What does “supercede” mean?
To replace something older, less effective, or outdated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To replace something older, less effective, or outdated.
To take the place of, often because of being superior, more modern, or more relevant; to set aside or cause to be disregarded in favor of something newer.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The spelling 'supersede' is correct in both, though the misspelling 'supercede' is common and often accepted as a variant, despite being etymologically incorrect.
Connotations
Same in both varieties: formal replacement, often with official authority.
Frequency
Equally common in formal writing in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “supercede” in a Sentence
[NP] supersedes [NP][NP] is superseded by [NP]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supercede” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The new regulations will supersede all previous guidelines.
- Paper documents have been superseded by digital files.
American English
- This contract supersedes any prior agreements.
- The old model was superseded by a more efficient design.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
The new software will supersede the legacy system by Q3.
Academic
Einstein's theory superseded Newtonian mechanics in explaining certain phenomena.
Everyday
Smartphones have largely superseded basic mobile phones.
Technical
The updated standard (ISO 9001:2015) supersedes the previous 2008 version.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supercede”
- Misspelling as 'supercede' (very common, but 'supersede' is the correct form derived from Latin 'supersedere').
- Confusing with 'exceed' (to go beyond).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The correct spelling is 'supersede'. 'Supercede' is a very common misspelling, but it is not the standard form. The word comes from Latin 'supersedere' (to sit above).
'Supersede' is more formal and often implies that the replacement is an improvement, a successor, or has official authority. 'Replace' is more general and neutral.
It is quite formal. In casual speech, people are more likely to use 'replace', 'take over from', or 'phase out'.
The most common mistake is the spelling 'supercede'. Another is confusing it with 'exceed' (to go beyond in quantity or degree).
To replace something older, less effective, or outdated.
Supercede is usually formal, official, legal, academic, technical. in register.
Supercede: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuː.pəˈsiːd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsuː.pɚˈsiːd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Super SEED' – a superior seed grows and REPLACES the old plant.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVOLUTION AS REPLACEMENT (a newer, fitter model makes the old one obsolete).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate meaning of 'supersede'?