How Do You Spell SUPERNUMERARIES?

Pronunciation: [sˌuːpənjˈuːməɹəɹiz] (IPA)

Supernumeraries is a tricky word to spell, but can be broken down with the help of IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription. The word begins with the "s" sound, followed by "oo" as in "moon", then "p" and "er" with a slight "uh" sound in the middle. The next syllable is "nu", pronounced like "new", followed by "mer" with a soft "e" sound at the end. Lastly, the word ends with "uh-ries", pronounced like "reez". So altogether, it's spelled s-oo-p-er-n-oo-m-er-eez.

SUPERNUMERARIES Meaning and Definition

1. Supernumeraries, plural noun, pronounced soo-per-noo-muh-rair-eez.

   1. "Supernumeraries" refers to individuals who are additional or excessive in number compared to what is necessary or usual. These individuals are commonly referred to as "extras" or "background actors" in the field of filmmaking, theater, or opera. They usually play non-speaking roles, providing human presence and enhancing the realism of scenes without affecting the main storyline or script. Supernumeraries can be seen in crowd scenes, filling up spaces in the background, or mimicking everyday activities like walking, dining, or performing office work.

   2. Additionally, in a broader context, supernumeraries can be people who are surplus to the required personnel in various domains, such as organizations, institutions, or events. These individuals may be hired temporarily or on a project basis to assist with tasks that are not part of the regular workforce's responsibilities or workload. For instance, during peak seasons or special events, supernumeraries might be added to retail or service industries to handle increased customer demand efficiently. They contribute to maintaining smooth operations, ensuring services are delivered promptly, or adding value to the overall functioning of the entity.

   In summary, supernumeraries are individuals who play minor roles, often as extras or background actors, in the entertainment industry. They add depth and realism to scenes without having speaking parts. More generally, supernumeraries can be surplus workers brought in to support tasks or processes that are beyond the normal capacity or requirements of an organization or event.

Common Misspellings for SUPERNUMERARIES

• supernummeraries
• Supernumararies

Etymology of SUPERNUMERARIES

The word "supernumeraries" is derived from the Latin prefix "super" meaning "over" or "above", and the Latin word "numerarius" meaning "pertaining to numbers".

In its original usage, "supernumeraries" referred to individuals in a theatrical production who were not part of the regular cast but were added to the scene to create a sense of background or crowd. These additional actors were numbered separately from the main cast or extras. Over time, the term "supernumeraries" has been extended to encompass other contexts and refers to those who are surplus to the required number or existing staff.

So, the etymology of "supernumeraries" combines Latin roots to convey the idea of being above or beyond the usual number.