supercede

Supersede is a verb meaning to take the place of or replace something previously in use, authority, or acceptability, thereby rendering it obsolete. It is commonly used for laws, policies, decisions, technologies, or standards that are replaced by newer ones.

Etymology and form: Supersede derives from Latin supersedēre, from super- “over” and sedēre “to sit.” The spelling supersede reflects the Latin root more accurately. The form supercede is a widely reported but discouraged variant, often described as a common misspelling influenced by the similar-looking verb ceed from other Latin roots.

Spelling and usage notes: The standard modern spelling is supersede. Most major dictionaries label supercede as incorrect or nonstandard, though it may appear in some publications or informal writing. When in doubt, use supersede to ensure correctness in formal or published text.

Pronunciation: Supersede is typically pronounced as soo-PER-seed (with the last syllable sounding like “seed”). Some speakers may use a variation such as soo-PER-seed or soo-PER-seed, depending on dialect.

Examples of use:

- The new law supersedes all previous regulations on the matter.

- The updated software supersedes the old version.

- The court’s ruling superseded earlier opinions.

Related terms: supersession (the act of superseding) and supersedence (an alternative, though less common, noun form). In most contexts, supersede is the preferred verb, with supersession as the common noun form.