supererogatory etymology

Etymology:

  • Latin "super-" (above, beyond)
  • Latin "erogare" (to spend, pay out)
  • "-tory" (adjective suffix indicating relating to or causing something)

Meaning:

  • Exceeding what is necessary, obligatory, or required; unnecessary, superfluous; gratuitous.

Origin:

The term "supererogatory" originated in the 16th century from a theological concept. In Christian theology, "works of supererogation" refer to good deeds or actions that go beyond what is required for salvation. These deeds were believed to accumulate merit that could be applied to the shortcomings of others.

The term was first used in English in 1534 by the English reformer William Tyndale in his translation of the Bible. He used it to describe the actions of the Pharisees who went beyond the requirements of the Law of Moses in an attempt to gain favor with God.

Over time, the term "supererogatory" became more widely used in a secular context to describe things or actions that are unnecessary or gratuitous.

supererogatory relate terms

  • supererogation

    Etymology The word supererogation is derived from the Latin phrase super erogare whi

  • excess

    Etymology From Middle English exces from Old French excès from Latin excessus a go

  • extra

    Etymology Extra Latin Outside beyond in addition to Meaning Additional adjec

  • redundant

    Etymology Redundant comes from the Latin word redundare which means to overflow or

  • supernumerary

    Etymology The word supernumerary is derived from the Latin word supernumerarius whic

  • parse

    Etymology parse verb from Middle English parsen from Old French parser from Late La

  • spare

    Etymology The word spare has its origins in the Old English word sparian which means

  • spear

    Etymology of Spear The word spear comes from the Old English word spere which desc

  • superfluous

    Etymology The word superfluous is derived from the Latin word superfluus which means

  • team

    Etymology The word team originates from the Middle English word teme which means a

  • crux

    Etymology Latin crux meaning cross Meaning A crucial point issue or questi