Simply Super Marvelous!
In a world full of fantasy Marvel super-characters and real life first responder superheroes, it’s difficult to imagine “super” as anything but wonderful. Ah, but there apparently is “too much of a good thing” …
SUPEREROGATORY (,sü-pɘr-ʹrä-gɘ-,tȯr-ē; 1593) adj. – 1) observed or performed to an extent not enjoined or required; 2) superfluous [WW #308-M ~ Monthly Edition]
Some music lyrics say the same thing, over, and over, and over … and over. Granted, it may be disguised as chorus, but it’s really a prime example of supererogatory. Yet we still send the song to the top of the charts. That’s when you know, the beat has you hooked, and the lyrics are overlooked. I woke up in love this morning | I woke up in love this morning … ♪ * Sweet, but I heard you the first time, and when it’s a chorus that repeats also, over and over … (Am I being supererogatory? Heehee.)
Other examples of this non-super word could easily make their way into your writing … the supererogatory blasting of a horn interrupted her Sunday morning peace… a professor shook his head over the supererogatory school paper submitted with three thousand words, when the assignment was for just one … the audience sat in silence as the speaker droned on in supererogatory bliss… or on a more serious note, how is one to know when a photographer is innocently filming a playground of children, or the time spent seems creepily supererogatory?
Although Microsoft’s synonyms don’t include an antonym selection for supererogatory, think concise and less is more. Fiction or nonfiction, this elongated word may describe a simply annoying instance, or can take on a more sinister vibe. Context is key.
Remember writers, your words have meaning … unfortunately, like many words, supererogatory may not hold the same connotation for everyone. Know your subject and choose your words wisely.
*Song of the month: “Woke Up in Love this Morning,” by The Partridge Family was climbing the charts and up to #19 at WCFL/Chicago, August 1971 50 Years Ago this Month.
Wordplay Wednesday is currently created for your literary pleasure every first Wednesday of each month. Thank you for stopping by! Learning knows no prejudices or boundaries, and it isn’t fattening! Expanding your mind is a no-cost, simple joy. Do you feel that way too? What’s your inspiration? Share your creative genius and Wordplay Wednesday comments below.
Write first for yourself … only then can you write for others. (L.Rochelle)
Cheers to learning a new word today!
@Irishwriter
[LinDee Rochelle is a writer and editor by trade, and an author by way of Rock & Roll. She has published two books in her Blast from Your Past series (of three) about pioneering R&R Radio DJs. True behind-the-mic tales make GREAT Holiday and anytime Gifts available on Amazon (eBook and print): Book 1 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The First Five Years 1954-1959; and Book 2 – Rock & Roll Radio DJs: The Swinging Sixties. Coming soon … The Psychedelic Seventies!]
LR Notes: 1) Dictionary definitions are quoted from Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate
Dictionary – Eleventh Edition, unless otherwise noted. Yes, we sometimes
present them out of “official” context—but that’s half the fun! Think of it as
“creative context.” 2) a] Recent dictionary additions to definitions include a
date of first use, if known; b] words in small caps indicate “see also.” 3) Neither
I (LinDee Rochelle) nor Penchant for Penning are responsible for how you use
information found here, that may result in legal action.
And
please note, I do not receive compensation from any company or person for
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E-N-Dzzzzzzzz
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