French Conversation · Level 57
74 words
French word
superflu
Pronunciation
IPA/sypɛʁfly/
Meaning
- adjectiveextra
Example
Tu as pris des sacs superflus.
You took extra bags.
More examples
Cette dépense est superflue.
This expense is unnecessary.
Core concept
Something spilling beyond what its purpose or situation requires.
Common phrases
des détails superflus
superfluous details
une initiative superflue
an unnecessary initiative
Similar words
inutile: Serving no useful purpose and therefore unnecessary.
de trop: Present in excess of what is needed or appropriate.
accessoire: Secondary to the main purpose and not essential.
redondant: Repeating content or function already provided elsewhere.
Definition in French
Qui est inutile ou qui dépasse ce qui est nécessaire.
Word origin
French superflu comes from Latin superfluus, built on superfluere from super ('over') and fluere ('to flow'), for something that overflows what is needed.
Usage tips
- Superflu is more formal or critical than everyday inutile, while de trop is common for something unnecessary in a particular situation.