supervise
4 synonyms for supervise, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To oversee and direct people or a task.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use supervise
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
supervise staff
closely supervised
supervise construction
Etymology
From Medieval Latin supervisus, from super- ("over") + videre ("to see") — literally "to oversee." A doublet of survey.
Full origin of supervise →Frequently asked questions
What does “supervise” mean?
The word “supervise” means to oversee and direct people or a task. In plain terms, to watch over and direct work or people to make sure things are done properly.
How do you pronounce “supervise”?
“Supervise” is pronounced SOO-puh-vyz (/ˈsu.pɚˌvaɪz/ in IPA).
How do you use “supervise” in a sentence?
Here is “supervise” used in a sentence: “She supervises a team of twelve engineers.”
What is another word for “supervise”?
Words with a similar meaning to “supervise” include superintend.
What part of speech is “supervise”?
“Supervise” is a verb.
Where does the word “supervise” come from?
The word “supervise” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin supervisus, from super- ("over") + videre ("to see") — literally "to oversee." A doublet of survey.
Is “supervise” a common word?
“Supervise” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
