1. Supersede (verb): To take the place of something that is considered old, inferior, or obsolete.
2. Supersede (verb): To replace or substitute something, especially in authority, function, or effectiveness.
3. Supersede (verb): To cause something to be set aside or discarded due to being outdated or less useful.
The word "supersede" means to replace something or someone, especially something older or less effective, with something newer or better. It can refer to laws, rules, or policies that override previous ones, making them no longer valid or applicable. The term is also used when describing how new technology, methods, or ideas take the place of outdated ones. Master the proper usage of "supersede" to express replacement and succession clearly in professional and academic writing.
The word "supersede" conveys the idea of replacing something, often in a formal or technical sense. Below are its main definitions.
"Supersede" means to replace something, especially when the new item is considered superior or more relevant.
When something "supersedes" another, the older item or idea becomes unnecessary or outdated.
"Supersede" can also refer to one law, rule, or decision replacing another, particularly in legal or governmental contexts.
"Supersede" functions as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object to indicate what is being replaced or made obsolete. It conjugates regularly as "supersedes," "superseded," and "superseding," commonly appearing in legal, technical, and formal business contexts. The word is sometimes mistakenly spelled "supercede," but the correct spelling with an "s" reflects its Latin origins from "sedere" (to sit), not "cedere" (to yield).
The word "supersede" is pronounced "soo-per-SEED," where "soo" rhymes with "zoo," "per" sounds like "purr," and "SEED" is exactly like planting a seed. The stress falls on the final syllable, making "SEED" the strongest and longest part. Make sure to pronounce the final part as "seed," not "sede" or "said."
Phonetic Pronunciation: /ˌsuː.pɚˈsiːd/
Several words can be used in place of "supersede," depending on context.
Antonyms of "supersede" describe the act of keeping something unchanged or continuing its use.
Here are examples of how "supersede" is used in different contexts.
"Supersede" is a moderately common word in English, frequently appearing in legal, technological, and business-related texts. It is used less often in casual speech but is essential in formal writing and discussions about progress or policy changes.
The word "supersede" does not have many spelling variations, but some related forms include:
Several terms relate to "supersede," particularly those dealing with replacement, authority, and advancement.
The word "supersede" entered English in the late 1400s from Latin "supersedere," meaning "to sit above" or "to refrain from," combining "super" (above) with "sedere" (to sit). Originally, the word meant to postpone or defer something, but by the 1600s it had shifted to its current meaning of replacing or making something obsolete. The Latin concept of "sitting above" evolved metaphorically to suggest something taking a higher position of authority or importance than what came before. The spelling with "sede" rather than "cede" has been a source of confusion for centuries, but it correctly preserves the Latin root "sedere."
There are a few key derivatives of "supersede" used in formal and legal contexts.
The word "supersede" is often misspelled due to its uncommon ending.
Idioms that express replacement, improvement, or taking precedence include:
Below are some frequently asked questions about "supersede," covering its meaning, usage, and distinctions.
1. What is the difference between "supersede" and "replace"?
"Supersede" implies that something is replaced due to being outdated or inferior, while "replace" is a more general term for substitution.
2. Can laws "supersede" each other?
Yes, new laws or amendments can "supersede" older laws by making them obsolete or legally invalid.
3. Is "supersede" a commonly used word?
"Supersede" is more common in legal, business, and technological contexts but is less frequently used in casual speech.
4. What is an example of "supersede" in technology?
Smartphones have "superseded" traditional landline phones as the primary means of communication.
5. Why is "supersede" often misspelled as "supercede"?
The confusion comes from the "-cede" ending in words like "precede" and "concede," but "supersede" comes from Latin "sedere" (to sit), not "cedere" (to yield).
6. Does "supersede" always mean something better is replacing the old?
Not necessarily. "Supersede" means replacing something, but it doesn’t always guarantee improvement.
7. Can a job position be "superseded"?
Yes, a job title or role can be "superseded" by a new one, often due to restructuring or technological advancements.
8. What is the past tense of "supersede"?
The past tense of "supersede" is "superseded."
9. Can traditions be "superseded"?
Yes, cultural practices and traditions can be "superseded" by modern customs or beliefs.
10. What is the noun form of "supersede"?
"Supersession" is the noun form, referring to the act of replacing or taking precedence over something.
"Supersede" means to replace something that is outdated, inferior, or no longer necessary. It is frequently used in legal, technological, and business contexts to describe progress or change. Understanding "supersede" helps clarify discussions about advancements and replacements. Exploring more word definitions enhances vocabulary and comprehension.
