Basic Details
Word: Superfluity
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An excessive amount of something; more than what is needed.
Synonyms: Excess, surplus, overabundance
Antonyms: Scarcity, insufficiency, lack
Idioms and Phrases
- More than one can shake a stick at: Used to describe having too many of something. Example: "She had more shoes than one can shake a stick at."
- Too much of a good thing: Refers to having an excess of something pleasant. Example: "Eating sweets is wonderful, but too much of a good thing can make you feel ill."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The superfluity of decorations made the room look cluttered and messy.
Example 2: Despite the superfluity of food at the party, many guests went home hungry as they were too shy to take what they wanted.
Example 3: The superfluity of choices in the store left him feeling overwhelmed and confused.
Fun Fact
The word "superfluity" comes from the Latin word "superfluus," which means "overflowing." It illustrates the idea of having more than enough, almost like something flowing over the brim of a cup!
Famous Quote
"The superfluity of knowledge can be as dangerous as ignorance." - John Locke
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "superfluity" mean?
a) A lack of something
b) A necessary amount
c) An excessive amount of something
d) The perfect balance
Answer: c) An excessive amount of something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "superfluity"?
a) Scarcity
b) Excess
c) Insufficiency
d) Shortage
Answer: b) Excess
3. Which sentence uses "superfluity" correctly?
a) The superfluity of rain made the ground dry.
b) There was a superfluity of books in the library.
c) The superfluity of excitement made the game boring.
d) She enjoyed the superfluity of the one dessert.
Answer: b) There was a superfluity of books in the library.
4. Which idiom means the same as "superfluity"?
a) Not enough for the journey
b) More than one can shake a stick at
c) As scarce as hen's teeth
d) The calm before the storm
Answer: b) More than one can shake a stick at
5. What is the opposite of "superfluity"?
a) Abundance
b) Scarcity
c) Plenty
d) Overabundance
Answer: b) Scarcity
