Basic Details
Word: Surplus
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: An amount that is more than what is needed or required.
Synonyms: Excess, overflow, surplusage
Antonyms: Shortage, deficit, lack
Idioms and Phrases
- Running a surplus: Having more than enough of something, often in context with finances. Example: "Thanks to careful budgeting, our club is running a surplus this year."
- Surplus to requirements: Describing something that is no longer needed or useful. Example: "The extra chairs in the classroom are surplus to requirements after the renovation."
Usage Examples
Example 1: After the harvest, the farmer had a surplus of apples that he decided to sell at the market.
Example 2: The school used its budget surplus to buy new equipment for the science lab.
Example 3: During the charity event, we collected a surplus of food that was donated to local shelters.
Fun Fact
The word "surplus" originates from the Latin word "superplus," which means "exceeding" or "above." It has been used in English since the late 14th century to describe an excess amount.
Famous Quote
"In business, it is not about the surplus you earn, but the surplus you create for others." - Anonymous
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "surplus" mean?
a) A kind of fruit
b) An amount that is more than needed
c) A type of animal
d) A government policy
Answer: b) An amount that is more than needed
2. Which of these is a synonym of "surplus"?
a) Excess
b) Requirement
c) Deficiency
d) Shortage
Answer: a) Excess
3. What is the antonym of "surplus"?
a) Abundance
b) Lack
c) Overflow
d) Plenty
Answer: b) Lack
4. Which sentence uses "surplus" correctly?
a) She had a surplus of homework to do.
b) The soup was surplus delicious.
c) We experienced a surplus of joy during the festival.
d) The surplus of rain flooded the village quickly.
Answer: c) We experienced a surplus of joy during the festival.
5. What does the idiom "surplus to requirements" mean?
a) Having just enough for needs
b) Being unnecessary or no longer useful
c) Receiving extra help
d) Earning more money than expected
Answer: b) Being unnecessary or no longer useful
