superhuman
|su-per-hu-man|
🇺🇸
/ˌsuːpərˈhjuːmən/
🇬🇧
/ˌsuːpəˈhjuːmən/
beyond human ability
Etymology
'superhuman' originates from Latin and English combining elements, specifically the Latin prefix 'super-' meaning 'above' or 'beyond' and the Latin word 'humanus' meaning 'human.'
'superhuman' was formed in English by combining the prefix 'super-' with the existing English word 'human,' the latter ultimately deriving from Latin 'humanus' and entering English through Old French and Latin influence.
Initially, components meant 'above' or 'beyond' and 'human'; over time the compound came to mean both 'beyond human' in a literal sense and more figuratively 'exceptionally great or powerful.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a being or person who has abilities, powers, or qualities beyond those of ordinary humans.
In the story, the city was protected by a superhuman.
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Adjective 1
having qualities or abilities beyond those of ordinary humans; exceptionally great or powerful.
She showed superhuman strength during the rescue.
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Adjective 2
extremely great in degree; surpassing normal limits (often used with words like 'effort' or 'endurance').
It took superhuman patience to deal with the backlog.
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Last updated: 2026/01/21 15:01