THE GLOSSARY OF USEFUL WORDS 23: ‘SUPEREROGATORY’
The word superfluous is used all the time in speech and writing and can hardly be deemed superfluous. However, there is a synonym—namely, “supererogatory,”—which is hardly ever used but is actually very useful. Here is how it is defined in Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary Online:
1a:of, relating to, or characterized by supererogation
b:observed or performed to an extent not enjoined or required
2: that can be dispensed with:superfluous, nonessential
Next time I introduce myself as a substitute teacher to a class at Burr and Burton Academy as “Dr. S.,” I will be sure to add “as in supererogatory!”
MICHAEL SHAPIRO
The Cambridge Dictionary gives a somewhat different definition:.
Supererogatory: involving doing more than necessary:
A supererogatory act is a good act that is in excess of what is morally or legally required.
Examples:
Tipping is (legally, thoug perhaps not morally) supererogatory: it is good to tip but not legally required.
Houses signal they are participating in Halloween with a pumpkin lantern at the window, making police signs supererogatory.
You may be tempted to resist calling such small actions supererogatory because they are not grand or heroic.
This is how I learned the word, actually in association with my Christian catechism as a teenager. GR
As they say in Japlish, Gary, “Sanks berri” for your comment!