supererogatory
Something that is supererogatory goes way beyond what’s required. Washing all the dishes, sweeping the floor, and taking out the trash would be supererogatory if your dad only asked you to put your plate in the dishwasher.
The adjective supererogatory was originally used in a religious context — Roman Catholic theology defined supererogatory acts as those that exceeded God's requirements. The Latin root, supererogatio, means "a payment in addition" — it derives from super ("above”) and erogare ("pay out"). Think of supererogatory actions as going the extra mile, like leaving a hundred dollar tip at a diner or shoveling the whole block instead of just your own sidewalk.
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more than is needed, desired, or required“it was supererogatory of her to gloat”
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synonyms:
excess, extra, redundant, spare, superfluous, supernumerary, surplus
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unnecessary, unneeded
not necessary
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unnecessary, unneeded
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Vocabulary lists containing supererogatory
In this classic collection of "clinical tales," neurologist Oliver Sacks explores a range of neurological conditions and phenomena.
During the French and Indian War, a British colonists' daughters, their Native American guides, and a scout named Hawkeye attempt a dangerous journey from Fort Edward to Fort Henry.
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