superfluous
UK: /suːˈpɜː.flu.əs/ | US: /suːˈpɜːr.flu.əs/
adj. exceeding what is sufficient or necessary; unnecessary or excessive
adj. not needed or wanted; redundant
superfluous = super<above, beyond> + flu<flow> + ous<adjective suffix>
- super (from Latin super, meaning "above, beyond")
- flu (from Latin fluere, meaning "to flow")
- ous (Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives, indicating "full of" or "having the quality of")
Etymology Origin:
The word superfluous originates from Latin superfluus, combining super- ("over") and fluere ("to flow"). It originally described something that "overflows" or exceeds necessity, like liquid spilling beyond a container's rim. Over time, it evolved to metaphorically denote anything excessive or unnecessary in English.
The report was filled with superfluous details that distracted from the main points.
Her speech included superfluous anecdotes, making it longer than necessary.
Modern packaging often adds superfluous layers that harm the environment.
He edited the essay to remove all superfluous words.
In minimalist design, every element serves a purpose—nothing is superfluous.