supererogate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Rare / ObsoleteFormal, Academic, Theological, Archaic
Quick answer
What does “supererogate” mean?
To do more than duty requires.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To do more than duty requires; to perform works beyond what is commanded or obligatory.
To exceed the requirements of a task or moral expectation, often with connotations of excess or unnecessary effort. In legal or religious contexts, it can refer to actions beyond what is mandated by law or doctrine.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The word is equally rare and specialized in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries a formal, often ecclesiastical or philosophical, connotation in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Slightly more likely to be encountered in British academic or theological texts due to historical usage, but this is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “supererogate” in a Sentence
[Subject] supererogates[Subject] supererogates [prepositional phrase: beyond/against duty]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supererogate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The medieval saints were believed to supererogate, storing up excess merit for the faithful.
American English
- The philosopher argued that it is impossible to supererogate if one's duty is already unlimited.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used. Modern business English would use 'exceed targets', 'go above and beyond'.
Academic
Used in philosophical ethics and religious studies to discuss actions that are good but not obligatory.
Everyday
Not used in everyday conversation. Would be considered obscure and pretentious.
Technical
Possible in specialized theological writing, otherwise not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supererogate”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supererogate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supererogate”
- Using it in a negative sense (it is technically a positive act).
- Confusing it with 'superrogate' (not a standard word) or 'supererogatory' (the adjective).
- Using it in modern, informal contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is extremely rare and considered archaic or highly specialized. Its related noun 'supererogation' is more commonly seen in academic writing.
It is primarily a verb. The adjective is 'supererogatory'.
Not in its standard definition. It describes doing more than required, which is generally positive. However, in some contexts, it might imply unnecessary or wasteful extra effort.
No. It would confuse most listeners. Use phrases like 'go the extra mile', 'exceed expectations', or 'go above and beyond' instead.
To do more than duty requires.
Supererogate is usually formal, academic, theological, archaic in register.
Supererogate: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpərˈɛrəɡeɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsupərˈɛrəˌɡeɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Works of supererogation”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUPER (above) + EROGATE (from Latin 'rogare', to ask). To give/do more than is asked for.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS A DEBT / DUTY IS A MINIMUM REQUIREMENT (To supererogate is to pay more than you owe).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'supererogate' MOST likely to be found today?