supererogatory

USAGE SUMMARY

"supererogatory" is a real word, and it can be used in written English.
This word has a meaning similar to "unnecessary but admirable," and is used to describe an act or deed that goes beyond what is required or expected. For example, you might say, "Amy went above and beyond what was asked of her, completing supererogatory tasks to ensure the project ran smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Isn't patriotism a supererogatory virtue?

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But for others, forgiveness is the epitome of supererogatory action since it is completely gratuitous, dependent on the good will of the offended party (Heyd 1982).

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However, a more "local," less abstract, discussion of paradigm examples of supererogatory action may be of help in the overall assessment of the three views.

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The relative merits and defects in each have to do with the kind of definition of the supererogatory as well as with some fundamental beliefs about the nature of morality and the source of moral value.

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Social scientists as well as philosophers have argued for the advantages of a completely voluntary (supererogatory) system of blood donation over the commercialized or "enforced" systems (Titmuss 1973).

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It seems not, since it cannot be both an obligatory act of promise keeping and a supererogatory act at the same time (Kawall, 2005).

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Furthermore, it fails to distinguish between the common appeals to excuses from obligatory action based on the particular difficulty or risk involved in its performance and the general exemption from supererogatory action that is sometimes easy and possible for everybody (like doing a small favor or showing forgiveness).

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Identifying supererogation with a weaker kind of duty, an imperfect duty, a non-universalizable duty, an 'ought' rather than a duty are all forms of recognition of supererogatory acts but only as being an integral part of an overall conception of duty.

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From society's point of view, leaving a separate space for supererogatory action may strengthen mutual trust and communal bonds since it often indicates and promotes love and personal concern rather than mere respect for persons and a sense of justice.

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It should be noted that in virtue-based ethics (for example Aristotle's) the demarcation issue becomes moot: supererogatory transcendence of the demands of morality does not play a major role since ethical norms do not consist of well-defined moral duties with which supererogation is correlated.

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Accounts of supererogation belonging to this group typically appeal to the linguistic hybrid "supererogatory requirements" or even "supererogatory duties".

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "supererogatory" when you want to describe an action that is morally good but not strictly required, particularly in philosophical or ethical contexts. For example, "Volunteering to work overtime without pay is a "supererogatory" act."

Common error

Don't confuse "supererogatory", which relates to actions exceeding moral duty, with "superfluous", which simply means unnecessary or excessive. A "supererogatory" act is commendable, while something "superfluous" is often wasteful.

Linguistic Context

The term "supererogatory" functions as an adjective, primarily used to describe actions or behaviors. It modifies nouns by indicating that these actions go beyond what is morally required or expected. As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes an action that is 'unnecessary but admirable'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

News & Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "supererogatory" describes actions that are morally good but not strictly required, primarily used in philosophical and ethical contexts. As Ludwig AI explains, this word has a meaning similar to "unnecessary but admirable". Usage examples are common within academic sources such as the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. When writing, be careful not to confuse "supererogatory" with "superfluous", as the former carries a specific moral connotation. Alternative phrases include "beyond the call of duty" and "above and beyond", though "supererogatory" offers a more precise and formal tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beyond the call of duty

This phrase directly conveys the idea of exceeding what is required by one's duty.

exceeding moral obligation

This alternative highlights the act of surpassing normal standards of moral duty.

above and beyond

This phrase emphasizes exceeding expectations or requirements in a more general sense.

more than is required

A straightforward expression indicating actions that surpass the necessary level.

going the extra mile

This idiom suggests putting in additional effort beyond what is expected.

not morally obligatory

Directly states that the action is not a moral requirement.

voluntary action

Highlights the optional and unforced nature of the act, rather than its moral status.

discretionary act

Emphasizes that the action is performed by choice and not out of necessity.

morally permissible but not required

Clearly indicates that the action is morally acceptable but not demanded.

optional undertaking

Focuses on the choice to engage in the action, deemphasizing moral implications.

FAQs

How is "supererogatory" used in ethical discussions?

In ethics, "supererogatory" describes actions that are morally good but not obligatory. Examples include extreme self-sacrifice or extraordinary generosity. These actions go beyond the standard call of duty.

What's an example of a "supererogatory" action?

A classic example of a "supererogatory" action is risking one's life to save a stranger from a fire. While morally praiseworthy, it isn't considered a moral obligation.

How does "supererogatory" differ from simply being generous?

"Supererogatory" actions aren't just generous; they surpass typical expectations of moral duty. Simple generosity is good, but /s/"supererogatory actions" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">supererogatory actions go above and beyond, often involving personal risk or significant sacrifice.

Is there a difference between "supererogatory" and altruistic actions?

While altruistic actions are selfless and benefit others, "supererogatory" actions specifically exceed what morality requires of us. All "supererogatory" acts can be considered as "altruistic", but not all altruistic acts are "supererogatory".