superman
/'sju:pəmæn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person with extraordinary or superhuman powers and abilities: This refers to an individual possessing capabilities far beyond those of a normal human, often used metaphorically for someone exceptionally talented, strong, or resilient.
- (Informal, slang) Street name for lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): This is a less common, informal usage referring to a specific, potent hallucinogenic drug.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Person with great abilities):
- In the comic books, Superman can fly and has super strength.
- After working 80 hours this week, she felt like she had to be a superman to meet all the deadlines.
- Noun (Slang for LSD):
- The dealer offered him a tab of superman. (Note: This usage is highly informal and specific to certain contexts.)
Advanced Usage
- "a superman effort": an effort requiring or demonstrating extraordinary ability or endurance.
- Finishing the marathon with an injury was a superman effort.
- Conceptual usage: Often used to critique or discuss the idea of an idealized, perfect human or an unsustainable standard.
- The corporate culture expected employees to be supermen, working tirelessly without complaint.
Variants and Related Words
- Superhuman (adj): Having powers or abilities beyond normal human capacity.
- His recovery speed was almost superhuman.
- Superwoman (n): The female equivalent, referring to a woman with extraordinary powers or abilities.
- As a CEO and mother of three, she was often called a superwoman.
Synonyms
- Superhero: A benevolent fictional character with superhuman powers (closest synonym for the primary meaning).
- Demigod: A being with partial or lesser divine status, implying great power.
- Titan: A person or thing of very great strength, intellect, or importance.
- LSD (for the slang meaning): Lysergic acid diethylamide, acid.
Related Phrases
- "To think one is Superman": To have an inflated sense of one's own abilities or invulnerability.
- He thought he was Superman, trying to lift the car by himself.
Related Idioms
- "A Superman complex": A belief or attitude where a person feels compelled to be exceptionally strong, successful, or responsible, often to an unhealthy degree.
- His Superman complex meant he could never delegate tasks or admit weakness.
Noun
- street name for lysergic acid diethylamide
- a person with great powers and abilities