supervisory

[ soo-per-vahy-zuh-ree ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or having supervision.

Other Words From

• nonsu·per·viso·ry adjective
• unsu·per·viso·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supervisory¹

First recorded in 1840–50; supervise + -ory ¹

Example Sentences

Most federal prosecutors work within a supervisory structure that seeks to ensure horizontal equity — that is, like treatment of like offenses — and sensible use of federal charges against the most serious offenders.

From Los Angeles Times

It noted that reforms to “governance, transparency and accountability” remain “limited” and that without an overhaul of the banking sector, the “cash and informal economy will continue to grow, raising significant regulatory and supervisory concerns.”

From Seattle Times

The decision drew sharp criticism from American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 2187, which represents many of the city’s professional and supervisory employees.

From Seattle Times

“I feel regretful because I have let down the guidance and expectations of the supervisory authorities all along,” he wrote.

From New York Times

He was involved in several supervisory and employment decisions about her during the relationship, the report said.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• bureaucratic
• departmental
• governmental
• legislative
• managerial
• ministerial
• organizational
• policy-making
• regulatory

More About Supervisory

What does supervisory mean?

Supervisory is used to describe things that involve supervision, which is the act of overseeing, watching over, and providing direction for someone or something.

Supervisory is an adjective form of the verb supervise, and it’s especially used in the phrases supervisory role and supervisory capacity, both of which refer to positions that involve supervision (or positions for which supervision is a responsibility).

The word supervise often refers to supervising a project or people, parents supervising their children, or a manager or supervisor supervising their employees. Supervisory is most often used in the context of supervisors in the workplace or government agencies that conduct oversight.

Example: I’ve been asked to come on in a supervisory capacity to oversee the project.

Where does supervisory come from?

The first records of the word supervisory come from the 1800s. It’s formed from the verb supervise and the adjective-forming suffix -ory (which is used in the same way in the word advisory). Supervise comes from the Medieval Latin supervidēre, meaning “to oversee.” In fact, the word supervise quite literally means the same thing as oversee—the prefix super- means “over” or “above,” and the Latin verb vidēre means “to see” (the English word vision is based on the same root).

Sometimes, people in a supervisory role literally watch from above—like a supervisor supervising their employees from an office above the factory floor. In most cases, though, supervisory is simply used to describe things involving close oversight to make sure something is proceeding as planned or that someone is doing what they should be, such as a project and the people working on it. Supervisory activities can be done by individual supervisors, but the word is often associated with organizations or groups like committees and government agencies that are tasked with conducting supervision of another group or process.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to supervisory?

• supervise (verb)
• supervision (noun)
• supervisor (noun)

What are some words that share a root or word element with supervisory? 

 

• vision
• superintendent
• supervisory board

What are some words that often get used in discussing supervisory?

• role
• capacity
• oversee
• direct
• manage
• adult
• parent
• child
• manager
• employee
• worker
• project
• guidance

How is supervisory used in real life?

Supervise is most commonly used in the context of workplace supervisors and government agencies.

I kind of did and kind of didn't get the promotion I wanted. They gave me a slight pay raise and a job description change but not for the title I wanted. I'm still doing the same stuff as before but it's more of a supervisory role now. Still something to celebrate though!

— 💙All Legs❤️No Dairy 🖤 (@chyroso72) June 13, 2020

If you're in any kind of leadership role, management role, supervisory role or you aspire to be, read this. https://t.co/YHPHC7erWo

— Christian Reilly (@reillyusa) April 16, 2017

Financial firms will relocate en masse to continental Europe after #Brexit, according to Christine Lagarde, head of the International Monetary Fund, who said that EU officials should increase regulatory and supervisory capacity to prepare for the influx https://t.co/gbruVf8NJf

— Grahame Lucas #FBPE #FBR #RejoinEU (@GrahameLucas) June 25, 2018

 

 

Try using supervisory!

Which of the following things should a person NOT do if they’re supposed to be in a supervisory position?

A. watch over
B. provide guidance
C. keep an eye on things
D. ignore the situation