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Definition of supererogation in US English:
supererogation
noun
The performance of more work than duty requires.
‘to maximize profits is for management not an optional exercise or a work of supererogation’- ‘As a result, there can be no question of moving from commandments to counsels in a simplistic way, and no sense that perfection involves supererogation.’
- ‘In partnership with moral theology, it forms also a practical theology of the Christian life that does not require perfection as supererogation.’
- ‘I say that these - which are the laws of mesmerism in its general features - it would be supererogation to demonstrate; nor shall I inflict upon my readers so needless a demonstration to-day.’
- ‘He can make this claim because of his adherence to the holiness code and his supererogation of the law.’
- ‘All this comes as a prodigal act of supererogation: Merely confronted with Shakespeare's poetic diction and iambic pentameter, few cast members manage to keep their heads above water.’
Phrases
works of supererogation
(in the Roman Catholic Church) actions believed to form a reserve fund of merit that can be drawn on by prayer in favor of sinners.
- ‘Such persons, by virtue of their vows, were in a state of perfection and, by fulfilling the counsels, their ‘works of supererogation’ produced more merit than those who simply followed the Ten Commandments.’
- ‘It is often said that works of supererogation involve going beyond the call of duty, doing good in a way which transcends the requirements of moral obligation.’
- ‘Nor does he require of us good works to atone for our sins or works of supererogation to atone for the sins of others.’
- ‘For it was he who attempted to curry God's favor by works of supererogation.’
- ‘The whole theory of indulgences and works of supererogation rests upon a false notion of our relation to God.’
- ‘The practice of granting indulgences was based on the Catholic doctrine of works of supererogation.’
- ‘This section is levelled against the doctrine of the Church of Rome, respecting works of supererogation.’
Origin
Early 16th century: from late Latin supererogatio(n-), from supererogare ‘pay in addition’, from super- ‘over’ + erogare ‘pay out’.
