superrace: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Historical
Quick answer
What does “superrace” mean?
A race of people, especially a hypothetical one, considered to be superior to all others in certain characteristics (usually intelligence, physique, or culture), based on unscientific and discriminatory ideologies.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A race of people, especially a hypothetical one, considered to be superior to all others in certain characteristics (usually intelligence, physique, or culture), based on unscientific and discriminatory ideologies.
A concept from pseudoscientific racial theories, most notoriously central to Nazi ideology (the 'Aryan master race'), which posits the existence of a biologically and culturally superior human group destined to dominate others. In contemporary use, it is almost exclusively used in historical, critical, or analytical contexts to discuss such ideologies, not to endorse them.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is equally recognised and used in both varieties within the same academic/historical contexts.
Connotations
Identically negative and historically specific in both dialects, irrevocably associated with Nazism and white supremacist ideologies.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general language. Its use is almost entirely confined to historical texts, political science, critical race theory, and discussions of extremism.
Grammar
How to Use “superrace” in a Sentence
the [ideology/theory/myth] of the superracethe [Aryan/Nazi] superrace[promote/purport/envision] a superraceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “superrace” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The regime sought to superrace the population through selective breeding, a horrific policy.
- (Note: This is a highly forced, non-standard usage for illustrative purposes only.)
American English
- (No standard verb form exists. The concept is nominal.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form.)
adjective
British English
- The superrace ideology was a cornerstone of their propaganda.
American English
- His writings were filled with superrace rhetoric.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used critically in history, political science, sociology, and philosophy to analyse racial ideologies, particularly Nazism and eugenics.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation. If used, it would be in a highly specific discussion about history or racism.
Technical
Used as a technical term within the study of fascist ideologies, genocide studies, and the history of pseudoscience.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “superrace”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “superrace”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “superrace”
- Using it as a neutral or positive term. Mistaking it for a legitimate scientific concept. Using it to describe athletic or intellectual prowess outside of its specific ideological context (e.g., 'The Kenyan runners are a superrace' is highly inappropriate).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a term from discredited pseudoscientific racial theories and has no standing in modern biology or anthropology. It is purely an ideological and historical concept.
No. Given its inextricable link to genocide and racist ideology, using it positively or even neutrally is highly offensive and demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of its meaning and history.
They are essentially synonymous in historical context. 'Master race' (Herrenrasse) is the direct translation of the German term used by the Nazis. 'Superrace' is an English equivalent with the same meaning.
Understanding this term is crucial for comprehending one of the most destructive ideologies of the 20th century. It serves as a key example of how language can be weaponised to justify discrimination and violence.
A race of people, especially a hypothetical one, considered to be superior to all others in certain characteristics (usually intelligence, physique, or culture), based on unscientific and discriminatory ideologies.
Superrace is usually formal, academic, historical in register.
Superrace: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpəˌreɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpərˌreɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[He/she/They] think they're part of some superrace. (pejorative, hyperbolic)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUPERRACE: Think of 'super' (above) + 'race'. It's the discredited and dangerous idea that one human race is SUPERior to all others, a concept that led to SUPREME tragedy.
Conceptual Metaphor
HUMANITY IS A HIERARCHY (with a 'superrace' at the top). RACIAL GROUPS ARE SPECIES (implying fundamental, unbridgeable biological differences).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'superrace' most appropriately used?