superviseuse

Superviseuse is a feminine noun in French that designates a person who supervises others or oversees a task, project, or operation. It is the feminine form of superviseur.

Etymology and usage notes: Superviseuse derives from the verb superviser, with the agentive suffix -euse, following the pattern of masculine superviseur. The related noun supervision refers to the act or field of supervising. In standard French, both masculine and feminine forms exist, with the masculine form often used as a gender-neutral default in job titles and generic references. The feminine form, superviseuse, is understood as specifically female, and many contexts also employ inclusive forms such as superviseur·euse to cover all genders.

Contexts and roles: A superviseuse may oversee workers on a construction site, manage a team in a company, supervise interns or students in an academic setting, or oversee processes in healthcare, industry, or administration. Typical responsibilities include assigning tasks, monitoring performance, ensuring compliance with procedures, providing guidance and training, and reporting to a higher supervisor.

Comparison and notes: The English equivalent is typically “supervisor” or “manager,” depending on the scope. The feminine form does not denote a different role; it simply marks gender. In practice, usage varies by region, organization, and style guides, with some opting for gender-neutral forms and others retaining traditional gendered forms.

See also: superviseur, supervision, management, gendered language in French.