ENGLISH
REFERENCE

superman

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈsupɝˌmæn// UK //sˈuːpəmˌæn// su·per·man

n. an ideal person who creates their own values and lives with great power and freedom. This idea comes from the philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche and describes someone who moves past the limits of normal human society.

n. an idealised future individual who has transcended the conventional morality of society to create their own values. Translated from the German 'Übermensch', it represents a figure of supreme self-mastery and creative will.


SIMPLE

The philosopher wrote about the rise of the Superman.

CONTEXTUAL

In his lectures, the professor explained how the Superman represents a rejection of traditional religious and social structures.

COMPLEX

Nietzsche's concept of the Superman has been frequently misinterpreted as a biological or racial ideal rather than a psychological and philosophical goal for human evolution.

Synonyms
Origin

From super- + man. The character, created by Jerry Siegel (1914–1996) and Joe Shuster (1914–1992), first appeared in DC Comics’ Action Comics #1 dated June 1938. The ice-cream flavor is named in reference to the red, yellow and blue of the superhero's costume.

Usage

Often capitalised when referring specifically to Nietzsche's philosophical concept; sometimes used as a direct translation of the German 'Übermensch'.

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