Supersede: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes

Meaning 1：replace completely (supersede)

supersede 🔊

/ˌsuː.pərˈsiːd/

vt.

To take the place of something older or less effective, making the old thing no longer used.

Supersede meaning illustrated by a modern smartphone replacing an old flip phone

replace completely 🔊

➕

/rɪˈpleɪs kəmˈpliːtli/

vt.

To take the place of something older or less effective, causing it to no longer be used.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'supersedere' (super=above, sedere=to sit), meaning to sit above or replace.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'super' (above) and 'sede' (sit); something superior sits above and replaces the old.

📖 Example

Many experts predict that electric vehicles will eventually supersede traditional petrol cars. 🔊 It is predicted that electric vehicles will completely replace traditional petrol cars in the future.

🔗 Collocations

supersede the old system – to replace the old system entirely

be superseded by a new version – to be replaced by a newer version

law supersedes previous regulations – the new law replaces the previous regulations

🔄 Synonyms

replace (vt.) – to take the place of something

supplant (vt.) – to supersede and replace, often by force or strategy

outmode (vt.) – to make something no longer fashionable or useful

🚫 Antonyms

preserve (vt.) – to maintain something in its original state

retain (vt.) – to continue to have or use something

🌱 Derivatives

supersession (n.) – the act of superseding; replacement

📖 Cultural Story

Derived from Latin 'supersedere', entering English in the 16th century as a legal term for making something void. Now commonly used in technology, law, and business to indicate that a new thing replaces an old one.