superfluous
more than is needed; unnecessary
Word origin: From Latin superfluus, overflowing.
Superfluous in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing superfluous in a sentence.
The editor cut every superfluous word from the draft.
The editor struck every superfluous adjective until each sentence carried only what it needed.
Using “superfluous” well
Superfluous means more than is needed, hence unnecessary or redundant. It points to excess beyond requirement, not to something merely useless.
More GRE words starting with S
to deliberately damage or obstruct something, especially in secret
an intensely sweet, calorie-free artificial sweetener
excessively sweet or sentimental in a cloying way
regarded as too important or sacred to be altered or criticized
having keen practical judgment and discernment
soundness of judgment and acuteness of discernment
most noticeable or important; standing out prominently
of a sickly yellowish or pale complexion
Questions about “superfluous”
Learn words the way the GRE tests them.
Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.