/ suːˈpɪəriə(r); sjuː-; NAmE suːˈpɪr-/ adjective , noun
■ adjective
1.
superior (to sb/sth) better in quality than sb/sth else; greater than sb/sth else :
vastly superior
superior intelligence
This model is technically superior to its competitors.
Liverpool were clearly the superior team.
The enemy won because of their superior numbers (= there were more of them) .
OPP inferior
2.
superior (to sb) higher in rank, importance or position :
my superior officer
superior status
a superior court of law
OPP inferior
3.
( disapproving ) showing by your behaviour that you think you are better than others
SYN arrogant :
a superior manner
He always looks so superior.
4.
(used especially in advertisements) of very good quality; better than other similar things :
superior apartments
■ noun
1.
a person of higher rank, status or position :
your social superiors
He's my immediate superior (= the person directly above me) .
I'm going to complain to your superiors.
OPP inferior
2.
used in titles for the head of a religious community :
Mother Superior
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French superiour , from Latin superior , comparative of superus that is above, from super above.