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verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

supervise

SOO-puh-vyz

Supervise (verb) means to oversee and direct people or a task. Example: “She supervises a team of twelve engineers.”

verb
1
To oversee and direct people or a task.
"She supervises a team of twelve engineers."
"A lifeguard must supervise the pool at all times."

How to use supervise

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo watch over and direct work or people to make sure things are done properly.

Common pairings
supervise staff closely supervised supervise construction

Word forms

supervised past tense, supervises singular

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She _____ a team of twelve engineers.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin supervisus, from super- ("over") + videre ("to see") — literally "to oversee." A doublet of survey.

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related words

Rhymes for supervise

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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.

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