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superior

soo-peh-ree-OR/su.peˈɾjoɾ/

“superior” means “superior” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:

superior, upper

Also: higher, excellent
Adjectivem/f (used for both genders)A2
A shiny, large gold trophy standing next to a smaller, dull bronze trophy, illustrating superior quality or rank.

📝 In Action

Este modelo tiene una tecnología superior a los demás.

A2

This model has superior technology compared to the others.

Vivimos en la planta superior del edificio.

A1

We live on the upper floor of the building.

Ella demostró una habilidad superior en el examen.

B1

She demonstrated a superior ability on the exam.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

Common Collocations

  • calidad superior – superior quality
  • educación superior – higher education

superior, boss

Also: senior
Nounm/f (person)B1formal
A formal figure standing slightly elevated on a small step, giving instructions to another figure who is standing on the ground and listening attentively, symbolizing higher rank.

📝 In Action

Mi superior jerárquico aprobó el presupuesto.

B1

My hierarchical superior (boss) approved the budget.

Ella es la superiora de la orden religiosa.

C1

She is the Mother Superior (female superior) of the religious order.

Necesitas la firma de tu superior para proceder.

B1

You need your superior's signature to proceed.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • jefe (boss)
  • directivo (manager)

Antonyms

  • subordinado (subordinate)
  • empleado (employee)

Common Collocations

  • consultar al superior – to consult the superior
  • superior inmediato – immediate superior

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "superior" in Spanish:

boss→excellent→higher→senior→superior→upper→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: superior

Question 1 of 1

Which sentence uses 'superior' as a person (a noun)?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
superioridad(superiority) — Noun
superar(to overcome, to surpass) — Verb
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

The word comes directly from the Latin *superior*, which meant 'higher' or 'previous.' It is the comparison form of the Latin word *superus*, meaning 'that which is above.'

First recorded: Medieval Latin period

Cognates (Related words)

English: superiorFrench: supérieur

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I say 'upper floor' versus 'top floor'?

You can use 'la planta superior' for 'upper floor' (meaning any floor above the ground floor). If you specifically mean the highest floor, you would usually say 'el último piso' or 'la planta más alta'.

Is 'superior' always a compliment?

Yes, when used as an adjective describing quality ('calidad superior'), it means excellent or better. When used as a noun ('el superior'), it simply refers to someone's rank, which is neutral.