# supervision

/ˌsupɝˈvɪʒən/ (US) · /suːpəvˈɪʒən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/supervision
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. oversight and management

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The children were allowed to use the pool only under adult supervision.
- The intern was granted more autonomy as the project progressed, though her final reports still required close supervision from the senior partner.

### 2. academic tutorial

noun · CEFR C1 · British English

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

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

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

## Examples

- The children need constant supervision while they are swimming.
- New employees usually work under the direct supervision of a manager for their first month on the job.
- Regulatory bodies provide independent supervision of the banking sector to prevent the kind of systemic risks that lead to financial crises.

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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.