Super vs Supper: What's the Difference?

Many writers mix up the words super and supper, since they’re spelled in very similar ways. However, they actually mean very different things.

So, when should you use each spelling?

The short answer is that super is usually an adjective that means “of excellent quality” or an adverb that means “extremely,” while supper is a noun that refers to a light evening meal.

This article will explain the difference between super vs supper and help you remember how to use each word correctly.

Quick Definition and Meaning of Super

Super has multiple definitions. It can be an adjective, an adverb, or sometimes a noun.

As an adjective, super means “better than average” or “of excellent quality.” For example, you might say, “You’re doing a super job.”

As an adverb, super means “extremely” or “very.” For example, you might say “This singer is super awesome.”

Finally, as a noun, super is a shortened form of the word superintendent. It refers to a building’s resident manager.

For example, you might say, “You should ask your super to fix your air conditioning unit.”

Quick Definition and Meaning of Supper

Supper is a noun that refers to the main meal eaten in the evening, which is usually the last meal of the day.

For example, you might eat a fish supper or a pizza supper.

Supper and dinner are often used interchangeably. "Let's eat dinner." means the same thing as "Let's eat supper."

What’s the Difference Between Super and Supper?

Super with one P means “extremely” or “better than average,” while supper with two Ps refers to an evening meal.

One way you can remember the difference is to note that appetite has two Ps. You need an appetite to eat your supper, so that’s why there are two Ps in supper.

If you’re not sure you’re spelling these words correctly, ProWritingAid’s Realtime Report can tell when you’ve used the wrong word.

It’s always a good idea to run this report in case you’ve mixed up the uses of supper and super.

Examples of Super vs Supper in Sentences

Let’s look at some examples of super and supper in successful English books.

“Teenage girls, please don’t worry about being super popular in high school, or being the best actress in high school, or the best athlete.”—Mindy Kaling, Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

“I'll write to you. A super-long letter, like in an old-fashioned novel.”—Haruki Murakami, After Dark

“Now sit down and eat your supper. And say hello to our guest.”—Cassandra Clare, Clockwork Angel

“When the first man first clambered from the slime and made his first home on land, what he had for supper that first night was stew.”—William Goldman, The Princess Bride

“They rise at seven o'clock in the morning. They eat their lunch at noon and their supper at six. They arrive at their appointments on time, precisely by the clock.”—Alan Lightman, Einstein’s Dreams

Conclusion on Super vs Supper

Now you know the difference between super and supper. Remembering how to use these two words correctly will help you create super clear writing!

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