superior
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.better in quality than other things of the same type.
adj.of higher quality, excellence, or value compared to others of its kind.
Simple“The new leather is clearly superior to the cheap material we used last year.”
In context“The manufacturer claims that their synthetic insulation provides superior warmth-to-weight ratios compared to traditional down feathers.”
PitfallThis model is superior than the old one. This model is superior to the old one.The adjective 'superior' always takes the preposition 'to', never 'than'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.having a higher position or rank in an organisation.
adj.higher in station, rank, or degree within a hierarchical structure.
Simple“She had to get approval from a superior officer before making the change.”
In context“The sergeant reported the breach of protocol to a superior officer, as required by the military code of conduct.”
Synonymsseniorhigher rankingAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.located higher up on the body or in a specific space.
adj.situated above or in a higher position; in anatomy, referring to a structure nearer the head.
Simple“The superior part of the heart is where the large blood vessels enter.”
In context“The superior vena cava is the large vein that carries deoxygenated blood from the upper half of the body to the right atrium.”
UsageIn medical contexts, it is the opposite of 'inferior'.
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a person who has a higher rank than you at work.
n.a person of higher rank or status, particularly a direct manager or a high-ranking member of a religious order.
Simple“If you have a problem with the schedule, please speak to your immediate superior.”
In context“The employee felt that his superior had unfairly dismissed his suggestions during the quarterly review meeting.”
SynonymsAntonymssubordinateunderling
Usage perform superior · superior performance · superior position
“His superior, Abdul Samad, shows us an unmarked graveyard, saying his father is buried here, killed fighting for the Taliban.”
“So far, though, there is no clear evidence that AI or other kinds of computer-based tutors are superior to human tutors , though in many cases they might be cheaper.”