Today's word of the day is supererogation. It's spelled S-U-P-E-R-E-R-O-G-A-T-I-O-N. Supererogation is a noun that means the act of performing more than is required. The Latin prefix 'super' means 'over and above,' but the second section of our word of the day is a little more complicated. Erogare (air oh GAHR ay) also Latin, originally meant 'to expand public funds after asking the consent of the people.' Later the word took on on a religious meaning, and came to be referred to as the doing of good deeds beyond what is needed for salvation. More recently, supererogation's meaning has expanded further still, and is now used to refer to any act performed beyond obligation. Connie has been an outstanding employee. Her staying late last night was an act of supererogation. Once again, supererogation is spelled S-U-P-E-R-E-R-O-G-A-T-I-O-N.

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

Transcript

Related