superman
pronunciation
How to pronounce superman in British English:
UK [ˈsuːpəmæn]
How to pronounce superman in American English:
US [ˈsuːpərmæn]
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- Noun:
- a person with great powers and abilities
- street name for lysergic acid diethylamide
Word Origin
- superman
- superman: [20] The term superman was introduced into English in 1903 by George Bernard Shaw in his play Man and Superman. It was a direct translation of German übermensch, coined by the philosopher Friedrich Nietsche to designate a superior, highly evolved human being that transcended good and evil.
- superman (n.)
- 1903, coined by George Bernard Shaw to translate German Übermensch, "highly evolved human being that transcends good and evil," from "Thus Spake Zarathustra" (1883-91), by Friedrich Nietzsche (1844-1900). First used in German by Hermann Rab (1520s), and also used by Herder and Goethe. Translated as overman (1895) and beyond-man (1896) before Shaw got it right in his play title "Man and Superman" (1903). Application to comic strip hero is from 1938. So was created ... Superman! champion of the oppressed, the physical marvel who had sworn to devote his existence to helping those in need! ["Action Comics," June 1, 1938]
Example
- 1. Thinking of getting the superman insignia on your bicep ?
- 2. Only superman can do that .
- 3. The comic 's cover marked superman 's debut .
- 4. The outfit comes without boots and superman 's red cape .
- 5. When I worked for you , I thought I was superman .