WordGarden.iosupervision
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /suːpəvˈɪʒən/
US
- /ˌsupərˈvɪʒən/
Meanings
Noun
the act of watching over, directing, or managing people, work, or activity
Beyond the definition
Supervision isn't just about telling people what to do; it's the act of carefully watching over someone or something to make sure things are going well and offering guidance along the way. Think of a lifeguard watching swimmers. They aren't swimming with them, but they are there to help keep everyone safe. It can also mean overseeing work, like a manager guiding their team. A good supervisor gives support and helps others grow.
Imagine a young apprentice learning carpentry. The master carpenter doesn't just hand them tools; they provide supervision by checking their technique, offering advice, and making sure the project is built correctly. It isn't just about control; it's about responsible oversight. You might also hear of "medical supervision" when someone receives treatment or has a medical procedure.
Supervision refers to the act of overseeing the work or activities of others, often with the goal of ensuring quality, safety, and progress. It's more than just monitoring; it involves providing guidance, support, and feedback. For example, a teacher provides supervision in the classroom, not only maintaining order but also helping students learn and develop.
The context of supervision is broad. In workplaces, supervisors are responsible for managing teams, assigning tasks, and evaluating performance. In healthcare, medical supervision ensures patients receive appropriate care and that procedures are carried out safely. Legal professionals often work under the supervision of senior partners during their early careers. Even children require adult supervision to ensure their well-being.
The word can also be used more broadly to describe oversight in general. You might say "the project lacked adequate supervision," meaning there wasn't enough attention given to its progress and quality control. It implies a level of responsibility for the actions or outcomes of those being supervised.
Supervision isn't about micromanaging, but rather about providing a framework for success, offering support, identifying potential problems, and ensuring things are done correctly and ethically. Whether it's guiding a student, managing a team, or overseeing medical care, supervision is essential for responsible progress and positive outcomes.
Examples
- 1
Child safety
The children can use the pool only under adult supervision.
- 2
Workplace training
New staff spend their first month working under close supervision.
- 3
Lab procedure
The experiment must be carried out under the supervision of a trained technician.
- Patternunder the supervision of + person
with that person officially in charge
- 4
Pet care
The dog was left in the yard without supervision for hours.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Work independence
After a few weeks, she was able to do the job with very little supervision.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
- monitoring
- guidance
- micromanagement
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- under supervision
- close supervision
- adult supervision
- direct supervision
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- supervisionnoun
Forms
- supervisionspluralnoun