Difference between Superfluous and Supernumerary

What is the difference between Superfluous and Supernumerary?

Superfluous as an adjective is in excess of what is required or sufficient while Supernumerary as an adjective is extra; beyond the standard or prescribed amount.

Superfluous

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: in excess of what is required or sufficient

Example sentence: It is not hard to compose, but what is fabulously hard is to leave the superfluous notes under the table.

Supernumerary

Part of speech: noun

Definition: A civil designation for somebody who works in a group, association or public office, without forming part of the regular staff; those distinguished from numerary. (For example, supernumerary judges are those who help the regular judges when there is a surplus amount of work.)An extra or walk-on in a film or play; spear-carrier.

Part of speech: adjective

Definition: Extra; beyond the standard or prescribed amount.Greater in number than.Beyond what is necessary.

We hope you now know whether to use Superfluous or Supernumerary in your sentence.

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