Spanish word

superfluo

Pronunciation

IPA/suˈpeɾflwo/

Meaning

  • adjectiveunnecessary

Example

No digas cosas superfluas.

Don't say unnecessary things.

Illustration for superfluo (unnecessary)

More examples

La información superflua solo distrae al oyente.

Unnecessary information only distracts the listener.

Core concept

Liquid spilling over the brim of a full container.

Common phrases

  • palabras superfluas

    unnecessary words

  • información superflua

    unnecessary information

  • explicación superflua

    unnecessary explanation

Similar words

innecesario: Not needed and can be omitted without causing problems.
inútil: Produces no useful effect when used.
redundante: Repeats information or wording and adds no new content.
prescindible: Not essential and able to be done without.

Definition in Spanish

Que es innecesario o excesivo en un contexto, algo que se puede omitir sin afectar al resultado.

Word origin

From Latin superfluus ('flowing over'), the image of overflowing fluid came to mean something in excess or dispensable.

Usage tips

  • A direct cognate of English superfluous, so the meaning is familiar, but the word sounds formal in everyday Spanish.

Other meanings

  • extraadjective

Opposites

  • pertinentepertinentadjective
  • relevanterelevantadjective

Word lists with this word