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surplus

/ˈsɜːrpləs/
noun★Intermediate— excess amount beyond what is needed
general

An amount of something that is more than necessary or required

The government had a budget surplus this year.

The government had more money than it spent this year.

💡

Often used in financial or economic contexts.

economics

An excess of production or supply over demand

The surplus of wheat led to lower prices in the market.

The excess supply of wheat caused prices to drop.

💡

Common in discussions about trade and market conditions.

💰Finance
Finance

An excess of revenue over expenses

The surplus allowed the company to invest in new projects.

The extra money earned over expenses enabled the company to fund new initiatives.

💡

Often discussed in financial reports and budgeting.

Collocations

budget surplusan excess of revenue over expenses in a budgettrade surplusa situation where a country exports more than it importssurplus goodsitems that are in excess supply

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

surplus to requirementsphrase
more than what is needed
surplus valuephrase
the extra value created by labor beyond wages in Marxist theory

💡Pro Tip

Financial Context

In finance, 'surplus' often refers to extra revenue after expenses.

Economic Context

In economics, 'surplus' can refer to excess supply or trade advantages.

⚡Gold Rule

Precision in Usage

Use 'surplus' to describe an excess in specific contexts like finance or economics.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'surplus,' from Old French 'surplus,' from Latin 'superplus,' meaning 'extra, beyond what is needed,' from 'super' (over) + 'plus' (more).

📝Usage Notes

The term is commonly used in financial, economic, and business contexts to describe an excess of resources or revenue.

Word Breakdown

sur-
over, beyond
prefix
+
-plus
more
suffix
English Dictionary

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