English Reference
noun

supervision

n.
US /ˌsupɝˈvɪʒən/ UK /suːpəvˈɪʒən/ su·per·vi·sion UK spelling supervisions

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    the act of watching over someone or something to make sure work is done right.

    the act or instance of overseeing a process, person, or organisation to ensure proper performance or conduct.

    Simple

    The children were allowed to use the pool only under adult supervision.

    In context

    The intern was granted more autonomy as the project progressed, though her final reports still required close supervision from the senior partner.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced British English

    a meeting between a teacher and a small group of students to discuss their work.

    a small-group or individual tutorial session, particularly within the British university system, focused on intensive academic discussion.

    Simple

    I have a supervision at two o'clock to discuss my latest essay.

    In context

    During the weekly supervision, the professor challenged the students to defend their interpretation of the historical data.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the context of Oxford and Cambridge universities.

An MBRS analyst, Louise Lawlor, said the MBRS had no difficulty with simulated tests with known quantities of alcohol being conducted under supervision to validate the machine’s accuracy.

BreakingNews.ie· 14 Aug 2026

Repeatedly convicted for violating long-term supervision orders and probation conditions.

Toronto Sun· 15 Aug 2026

From Latin supervisiō.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated