word of the day: supererogatory

The word of the day is supererogatory:

Etymology:  < post-classical Latin supererogatorius (14th cent. in British sources) < supererogat- , past participial stem of supererogare supererogate v. + classical Latin -ōrius -ory suffix².

 

A. adj.  Characterized by, or having the nature of, supererogation; going beyond what is commanded or required; (more generally) superfluous.  (OED)

"We can usually tell a man's story, relate passages and scenes from his life, without bringing in any physiological or neurological considerations: such considerations would seem, at the least, supererogatory, if not frankly absurd or insulting."

 - Oliver Sacks, The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat and Other Clinical Tales