# supervise

/ˈsupɝˌvaɪz/ (US) · /sˈuːpəvˌaɪz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supervise
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 2. to act as a supervisor

verb · CEFR B2

to be the person in charge of watching over a group or a place.

For teachers: to provide supervision or act in the capacity of a supervisor. Used intransitively when the focus is on the role rather than a specific task.

- The teacher stayed in the hall to supervise while the students ate lunch.
- During the examination period, additional staff members were hired to supervise in the main hall.

Usage: Used without a direct object to describe the general act of monitoring.

### 3. to read over

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic

to look over or read something carefully.

For teachers: to look over so as to read; to peruse. This sense is no longer used in modern English.

- The scholar took a moment to supervise the ancient letters on the desk.
- He requested a quiet corner where he might supervise the manuscript without interruption from the other guests.

Teaching tip: This sense is obsolete; modern speakers use 'peruse' or 'review' instead.

## Examples

- A teacher must supervise the children during the field trip.
- The manager will supervise the installation of the new software to ensure no data is lost during the transition.
- Senior architects are expected to supervise junior staff while simultaneously managing client expectations and ensuring that every technical drawing adheres to local building codes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.