supererogation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Academic
Quick answer
What does “supererogation” mean?
The act of doing more than what is required, expected, or demanded by duty.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of doing more than what is required, expected, or demanded by duty.
In moral theology, actions that are good but not strictly obligatory; works performed beyond the call of duty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare and formal in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly more likely to be encountered in a British academic, literary, or theological context, but the difference is marginal.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both regions. More likely to appear in academic writing or sophisticated literary criticism than in general use.
Grammar
How to Use “supererogation” in a Sentence
[verb] + supererogation (e.g., 'practise', 'perform', 'discuss')[adj.] + supererogation (e.g., 'moral', 'heroic', 'sheer')supererogation + of + [noun] (e.g., 'supererogation of duty')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “supererogation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The concept does not have a commonly used verb form. Theoretically: 'to supererogate' (extremely rare).
American English
- The concept does not have a commonly used verb form. Theoretically: 'to supererogate' (extremely rare).
adverb
British English
- He worked supererogatorily on the project (extremely rare and stylistically marked).
American English
- She donated supererogatorily to the cause (extremely rare and stylistically marked).
adjective
British English
- His actions were supererogatory, exceeding every expectation of his civic duty.
- She performed a supererogatory act of charity.
American English
- The monk's life was dedicated to supererogatory works of penance.
- This clause in the contract is supererogatory and not legally required.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. Potential metaphorical use in performance reviews praising an employee for 'acts of supererogation'—but highly unlikely.
Academic
Used in ethics, philosophy, theology, and literary studies to discuss actions exceeding moral or social obligations.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation. It would sound highly pedantic.
Technical
A specific term in Catholic moral theology and philosophical ethics to categorise non-obligatory good acts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “supererogation”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “supererogation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “supererogation”
- Confusing spelling: 'supererogation' (correct) vs. 'supererrogation' (incorrect, double 'r').
- Mispronunciation: The stress pattern is /ˌsuːpərˌɛrəˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/ - note the primary stress on '-ga-'.
- Using it as a synonym for simple 'extra work' without the connotation of moral duty.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very rare, formal word used almost exclusively in academic, philosophical, or theological writing.
The conceptual opposite is 'dereliction' (neglect of duty) or performing only the 'bare minimum'.
It would be highly unusual and probably pretentious. Phrases like 'above and beyond' or 'exceeding expectations' are used instead.
It is a noun. The related adjective is 'supererogatory'.
The act of doing more than what is required, expected, or demanded by duty.
Supererogation is usually formal, literary, academic in register.
Supererogation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsuːpərˌɛrəˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsupərˌɛrəˈɡeɪʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To go beyond the call of duty (related concept, not an idiom with the word itself).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUPER (above) + EROGATION (related to 'erogare', Latin for 'to pay out'). You pay out effort 'above' what is required.
Conceptual Metaphor
MORALITY IS A DEBT/QUOTA (duty is the required payment, supererogation is a generous overpayment).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'supererogation' most technically precise?