Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Exceeding normal human power, size, or capability: Describing something that is beyond what is considered possible or typical for an ordinary human being, often implying extraordinary strength, endurance, or ability.
   • Of or relating to a being with powers beyond those of a human: Pertaining to a god, demigod, hero, or other entity that possesses abilities surpassing human limitations.

Usage and Examples

• As an adjective describing effort or ability:

  • The rescue workers made a superhuman effort to save the trapped miners.
  • Her superhuman patience allowed her to teach the most challenging students.

• As an adjective describing a being or its qualities:

  • In the myth, Hercules was a superhuman hero known for his strength.
  • The comic book character possesses superhuman speed and agility.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "superhuman" vs. "super-human": The hyphenated form "super-human" is sometimes used, but "superhuman" is the standard, closed compound adjective.
• Contextual Use: Often used in contexts of mythology, science fiction, fantasy, and to describe exceptional real-world human achievements that seem to defy normal limits.
  • The athlete's recovery was superhuman, returning to competition just weeks after the injury.

Variants and Related Words

• Superhumanly (adverb): In a superhuman manner.
  • He was superhumanly strong, lifting the car with ease.

Synonyms

• Herculean: (especially of effort) requiring or showing great strength.
• Prodigious: remarkably or impressively great in extent, size, or degree.
• Extraordinary: very unusual or remarkable.
• Godlike: resembling or befitting a god, especially in superiority or excellence.

Antonyms

• Subhuman: below the standard of humanity; less than human.
• Normal: conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected.
• Ordinary: with no special or distinctive features; normal.

Idioms and Common Phrases

• To make a superhuman effort: To try with an extraordinary amount of energy or determination, far beyond what is normally expected.
  • They made a superhuman effort to meet the impossible deadline.

Adjective

1. above or beyond the human or demanding more than human power or endurance
   • superhuman beings
   • superhuman strength
   • soldiers driven mad by superhuman misery