supersede
C1formal
Definition
Meaning
To replace something, especially something older or less effective, often implying improvement or obsolescence.
To take the place of someone or something in a position, role, or function due to advancement or new standards.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often used in contexts involving legal, academic, or technological changes where the replacement is considered superior or more current.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling; both use 'supersede'.
Connotations
Slightly more common in legal and academic registers in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in British and American English, with occasional higher use in technical documents.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
NP V NP (e.g., A supersedes B)be V-ed by NP (e.g., B is superseded by A)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
New product lines supersede outdated models to maintain market competitiveness.
Academic
Recent studies supersede earlier hypotheses with more robust evidence.
Everyday
Streaming services have superseded DVD rentals for most consumers.
Technical
The updated protocol supersedes all prior versions for security compliance.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The new legislation will supersede the old act next year.
American English
- The software update supersedes all previous versions immediately.
adjective
British English
- The superseded regulations are no longer enforceable.
American English
- We disposed of the superseded equipment after the upgrade.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My new tablet supersedes my old one.
- The revised textbook supersedes the earlier edition.
- Digital payments have superseded cash transactions in many cities.
- Quantum mechanics superseded classical physics in explaining atomic behavior.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'super' as better, and 'sede' from Latin 'sedere' (to sit), so something better sits in place of the old.
Conceptual Metaphor
REPLACEMENT IS PROGRESS
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Confusing with 'supercede' (a common misspelling)
- Mistranslating as 'превосходить' (to exceed) instead of 'заменять' (to replace).
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'supercede'
- Using incorrect prepositions like 'supersede to' instead of 'supersede by'.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'supersede' primarily mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly misspelled as 'supercede', but the correct spelling is with 's'.
It is more typical in formal, academic, or technical contexts, though it can appear in everyday language when discussing replacements.
It derives from Latin 'supersedere', meaning 'to sit above', via Old French 'superseder'.
In British English, it's /ˌsuːpəˈsiːd/; in American English, /ˌsuːpərˈsiːd/.