supervise

/ˈsuːpərvaɪz/
verbIntermediate to oversee and direct work or activities
formal

to oversee and direct the work or activities of someone or something

The teacher supervises the students during the exam.

The teacher oversees the students to ensure they follow the rules during the exam.

A supervisor is responsible for supervising the production line.

A supervisor is responsible for overseeing and directing the production line.

💡

Often used in professional or educational settings to describe oversight and direction.

Collocations

supervise closelyto monitor someone or something very carefullysupervise a projectto oversee and direct the execution of a projectsupervise employeesto oversee and direct the work of employees

Related Phrases

supervise closelyphrase
to monitor someone or something very carefully
supervise a projectphrase
to oversee and direct the execution of a project

💡Pro Tip

Formal vs. Informal Use

In formal contexts, 'supervise' implies structured oversight, while in informal contexts, it may simply mean 'to watch over'.

Gold Rule

Professional Context

In professional settings, 'supervise' often implies both oversight and active direction, not just passive observation.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'super-' (over) + 'vidēre' (to see), meaning 'to watch over'.

📝Usage Notes

Commonly used in professional, educational, and managerial contexts. Can imply both active direction and passive oversight.

Word Breakdown

super-
over
prefix
+
-vise
to see
root
English Dictionary