Word
superhero
Phoneticssu·per·hero
US/ˌsupɝˈhiɹoʊ/
UK/sˈuːpəhˌiəɹəʊ/
Definitions
01fictional character
A2 · Elementary Countable noun
n. a character in a story, comic, or movie who has special powers and fights bad people.
n. a fictional character, often originating in comic books, who possesses superhuman abilities and acts as a protector of society.
“Spider-Man is a famous superhero who can climb walls and catch criminals with webs.”
“The modern cinematic landscape is dominated by superhero franchises that explore the moral complexities of possessing absolute power.”
Usage
The word is often used as a compound noun or as an adjective in 'superhero movie'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02exceptional person
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal · Humorous
n. a real person who does something incredibly brave or helpful.
n. a person who performs extraordinary feats of courage or displays exceptional skill in a real-world context.
“My sister is a total superhero for working two jobs while finishing her degree.”
“The community viewed the local doctor as a superhero after she worked tirelessly through the peak of the health crisis.”
Teaching tip
This sense is often used as a hyperbolic compliment to acknowledge someone's hard work or resilience.
Etymology
From super- + hero. First attested in 1917.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/superhero