Supererogation

//ˌs(j)uːpəɹɛɹəˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An act of doing more than is required. countable, uncountable

    "And ſithence the very thunder-lightning of your admirable eloquence is ſufficiently available to ſtrike them with a lame palſie of tongue (if they be not already ſmitten with a ſenceleſſe apoplexy in head, which may eaſely enſue ſuch contagious catharres and reumes, as I am privy ſome of them have been grievouſly diſſeaſed withall), miſſe not, but hitt them ſuerly home, as they deſerve with Supererogation."

  2. 2
    an effort above and beyond the call of duty wordnet
  3. 3
    An action that is neither morally forbidden nor required, but has moral value. countable, uncountable

    "For now let us look at the supererogation which would be contrasted with mutual aid. […] [T]here would be two fundamental types of supererogation. Supererogation 1 focuses on the same sorts of situations and the same sorts of aid covered by mutual aid, but removes the limit on the cost to the giver: […] Supererogation number 2 focuses not on situations where basic needs are threatened, but on well-being, […]"

Etymology

From Late Latin superērogātiō (“payment in addition”), from superērogāre (“to pay in addition”), from super (“in addition to”) + ērogāre (“to pay, pay out, expend, disburse”), equivalent to supererogate + -ion.

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