superman: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal, Figurative
Quick answer
What does “superman” mean?
A man with powers and abilities far beyond those of a normal human.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A man with powers and abilities far beyond those of a normal human.
A person of extraordinary ability, strength, or achievement; someone who seems to be capable of overcoming any difficulty.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. The character is culturally ubiquitous in both regions.
Connotations
Similar connotations of heroism and exceptional ability. In both, calling someone a 'superman' can be a compliment or imply they are taking on too much.
Frequency
Equally frequent in both dialects, tied to global pop culture.
Grammar
How to Use “superman” in a Sentence
[Subject] is a superman.Don't try to be a superman.It takes a superman to [verb phrase].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “superman” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - Not standard.
American English
- N/A - Not standard.
adverb
British English
- N/A - Not standard.
American English
- N/A - Not standard.
adjective
British English
- N/A - Use 'superhuman'.
American English
- N/A - Use 'superhuman'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Informal reference to an employee handling an impossible workload: 'They expect one person to be a superman and manage three departments.'
Academic
Rare; used in cultural studies discussing the archetype of the hero.
Everyday
Common in figurative speech to describe someone doing too much or showing great strength: 'My mum is a superman, working full-time and looking after us all.'
Technical
Not used in technical contexts outside of media/comics analysis.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “superman”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “superman”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “superman”
- Using it as an uncountable noun (*He has superman).
- Capitalising it when not referring to the character specifically (He's a superman, not *Superman).
- Using it as a verb (*He supermanned the situation).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Capitalise it only when referring specifically to the DC Comics character (Superman). Use lowercase for the figurative, generic meaning (a superman).
Figuratively, yes, but it is gender-specific. The term 'superwoman' is more common and accurate for describing an exceptionally capable woman.
Usually it's a compliment, but it can be offensive if it implies unrealistic expectations or pressure to perform beyond human limits. Context is key.
'Superhuman' is an adjective describing abilities beyond normal human capacity. 'Superman' is primarily a noun referring to a person (literal or figurative) who possesses such abilities.
A man with powers and abilities far beyond those of a normal human.
Superman is usually informal, figurative in register.
Superman: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpəman/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpərˌmæn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a job for Superman.”
- “He's no Superman.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPER + MAN = A man who is SUPERior.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTRAORDINARY ABILITY IS SUPERHUMAN POWER.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'superman' used MOST figuratively?