Etymology of the English word superfluous
the English word
superfluousderived from the Latin word
superfluus (superfluous, in excess of need; remaining after something taken)
derived from the Classical Latin word
superfluere (overflow, flow over brim, sides)
using the Medieval Latin prefix
super-derived from the Classical Latin word
super (above)
derived from the Proto-Indo-European root
*uperderived from the Late Latin word
fluere (flow, stream; emanate)
derived from the Proto-Indo-European root
*bhleu-Date
The earliest known usage of superfluous in English dates from the 15th century.
Cognates
French
superflu, Italian
superfluo, Spanish
superfluoUsage
Word found in Modern English
