Basic Details
Word: Surplus
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An amount of something left over when requirements have been met; extra.
Synonyms: Excess, remainder, overage
Antonyms: Shortage, deficit, scarcity
Idioms and Phrases
- Running a surplus: Referring to a situation where there is more than what is needed. Example: "After selling cookies at the bake sale, we are running a surplus, so we can donate the extra to charity."
- More than one can chew: To take on more responsibilities than one can handle. Example: "With the surplus of tasks on her desk, she realised she had bitten off more than she could chew."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The farmer had a surplus of tomatoes this year, so he sold them at the local market.
Example 2: Due to the generous donations, the charity was left with a surplus of food to distribute to those in need.
Example 3: The budget report showed a surplus, allowing the school to purchase new books for the library.
Fun Fact
Did you know that the word "surplus" comes from the Latin word "surplus," which means "to flow over"? This perfectly describes how something can exceed what is necessary!
Famous Quote
"Surplus wealth is a sacred trust which its possessor is bound to administer in his lifetime for the good of the community." Andrew Carnegie
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "surplus" mean?
a) A lack of something
b) An excess amount of something
c) A fixed quantity
d) A specific item
Answer: b) An excess amount of something
2. Which of these is a synonym of "surplus"?
a) Deficit
b) Remainder
c) Shortage
d) Scarcity
Answer: b) Remainder
3. Which word is an antonym of "surplus"?
a) Extra
b) Overabundance
c) Shortage
d) Abundance
Answer: c) Shortage
4. Which sentence uses "surplus" correctly?
a) We had a surplus of cookies from the party, so we gave some to our neighbours.
b) There was a surplus of water in the desert.
c) To see the surplus, we need to eat them all.
d) The surplus of homework made the students happy.
Answer: a) We had a surplus of cookies from the party, so we gave some to our neighbours.
5. Which idiom suggests having more than necessary?
a) Running a surplus
b) Cut to the chase
c) On thin ice
d) A stitch in time
Answer: a) Running a surplus
