superscript: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal/Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “superscript” mean?
A character (like a number, letter, or symbol) printed or written above and to the side of a base character.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A character (like a number, letter, or symbol) printed or written above and to the side of a base character.
The quality or state of being positioned above something else; in computing, text formatting that raises characters above the baseline.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation and formatting context are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of academic, mathematical, or technical precision.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “superscript” in a Sentence
[be] + in + superscript[format/type/write] + X + as/ in + superscriptVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “superscript” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- You need to superscript the reference numerals before submitting the thesis.
- The old typewriter couldn't superscript characters.
American English
- Superscript the footnote markers in your document.
- The software can automatically superscript registered trademark symbols.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in financial footnotes or trademark symbols (™).
Academic
Very common in mathematics (exponents e.g., x²), science (isotopes e.g., ¹⁴C), linguistics, and citations (e.g., reference numbers¹).
Everyday
Uncommon. Most people might simply say "the little number up high" or "squared/cubed."
Technical
Ubiquitous in typesetting, word processing, coding (HTML <sup> tag), and scientific publishing.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “superscript”
- Using 'superscript' to describe a footnote marker itself (the number is the superscript; the note is the footnote).
- Confusing 'superscript' (above) with 'subscript' (below).
- Incorrect plural: 'superscribes' instead of 'superscripts'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily a noun ('a superscript'), but it is also accepted as a verb in technical contexts ('to superscript a character').
In mathematics, an exponent is the number that indicates a power (e.g., the 3 in x³). A superscript is the typographical form of that exponent (the raised '³'). Outside maths, 'superscript' is used for any raised character (e.g., footnote markers, trademark symbols).
In most word processors (like Word or Google Docs), highlight the text and use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift++ (Cmd+Shift++ on Mac) or find the 'Superscript' button (often marked as X²) in the formatting toolbar.
Yes. While numbers are common (e.g., ², ³), superscript letters are also widely used, such as in linguistic phonetic notation (e.g., [tʰ] for aspirated t) or in abbreviations like 1ˢᵗ for 'first.'
A character (like a number, letter, or symbol) printed or written above and to the side of a base character.
Superscript is usually formal/academic/technical in register.
Superscript: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpəskrɪpt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpərskrɪpt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: SUPERman flies HIGH. SUPERscript is text SUPER-imposed HIGH above the line.
Conceptual Metaphor
HIERARCHY IS UP / IMPORTANCE IS UP (superscripts often denote powers, references, or special status).
Practice
Quiz
In the mathematical expression 10³, what is the term for the '³'?