supermarket
supermarket
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "supermarket" is /ˌsuːpərˈmɑːrkɪt/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:
su - /suː/ - This syllable consists of the consonant /s/ followed by the long vowel sound /uː/ as in "too".
per - /pər/ - This syllable starts with the consonant /p/, followed by the unstressed vowel sound /ər/ as in "letter".
mar - /mɑːr/ - This syllable begins with the consonant /m/, followed by the long vowel sound /ɑː/ as in "father", and ends with the /r/ sound.
ket - /kɪt/ - This final syllable starts with the consonant /k/, followed by the short vowel sound /ɪ/ as in "kit", and ends with the consonant /t/.
Word Form Variations
supermarket (singular noun) - This is the base form of the word, referring to a single large self-service retail market selling a variety of foods, beverages and household products organized into sections.
supermarkets (plural noun) - This form refers to more than one supermarket.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1 (Primary): A large self-service retail market selling a variety of foods, beverages, and household products organized into sections.
Synonyms: grocery store, grocery, market, food market, hypermarket (sometimes used for even larger versions), superstore
Antonyms: corner store, mom-and-pop store, small shop, specialty store (e.g., butcher, bakery), farmers market (in some senses, though they can coexist)
Definition 2 (Figurative): A place offering a wide selection of something, often used metaphorically. For example, "The internet is a supermarket of information."
Synonyms: abundance, cornucopia, vast selection, wide array, treasure trove
Antonyms: limited selection, scarcity, dearth, restricted access
Other Word Forms (Less Common/Figurative):
While "supermarket" isn't typically used as a verb, adjective, or adverb, we can explore some less common or figurative extensions:
Supermarket (Adjective - rare, attributive only): Describing something associated with or characteristic of a supermarket. Example: "supermarket prices" (meaning prices typically found in a supermarket). This usage is limited. A more common alternative would be "grocery store prices" or "market prices."
Supermarket (Verb - very rare, figurative): To treat something as if it were a supermarket, i.e., offering a wide selection. Example: "The website supermarketed its educational resources." This is a highly unusual and likely awkward usage. Better alternatives would be "offered a wide selection of," "provided a variety of," or "cataloged."
Examples of Use
Books:
"She went to the supermarket to buy groceries for the week." (This is a generic example of typical usage, and countless examples can be found in novels and other books. I haven't cited a specific book because the usage is so widespread.) Finding specific examples in books requires searching within books themselves, which is beyond my current capabilities.
Newspapers/Online Publications:
"Inflation continues to impact supermarket prices, with the cost of staples like milk and eggs rising again this month." (This is a common news topic. You can find examples in any major news outlet. A quick search for "supermarket prices inflation" will yield numerous results.) Again, I haven't cited a specific article because these reports are frequent.
"Local supermarket chain announces expansion plans, opening three new stores in the region." (This is a typical business news item. Local newspapers and business publications often report on supermarket openings and expansions.) Similar to the above, these are easily searchable.
Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"Supermarket Sweep" (This is a well-known game show centered around a fast-paced shopping competition in a simulated supermarket.) (This is a general reference to the show itself, not a specific episode.)
"The characters in the sitcom often meet and interact in the local supermarket." (This is a common trope in television and film, reflecting the supermarket's role as a community hub.) Again, this is a general observation, not a specific citation.
"Grocery shopping haul" videos on YouTube and TikTok frequently feature creators showing their purchases from supermarkets. (This is a common type of content on social media platforms.) These are easily found by searching on the platforms themselves.
General Public Discourse:
"I'm going to the supermarket, do you need anything?" (This is a typical everyday conversation example.)
"The new supermarket on the corner is so much more convenient than the old one." (This reflects common discussions about local amenities and changes in shopping habits.)
"Have you seen the prices at the supermarket lately? They're outrageous!" (This is a common complaint and topic of discussion related to cost of living.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Supermarket
"The supermarket is a modern marvel, a temple of abundance where we can find the world's bounty under one roof." (Original quote, reflecting the supermarket's role as a source of diverse goods.)
"The weekly trip to the supermarket has become a ritual for many families, a shared experience that shapes our routines." (Original quote, highlighting the supermarket's place in daily life.)
"The supermarket aisles are a microcosm of society, reflecting our desires, our needs, and our changing tastes." (Original quote, suggesting the supermarket as a reflection of broader social trends.)
"The sheer variety in a supermarket can be overwhelming, a paradox of choice that both delights and confuses." (Original quote, touching on the psychological impact of abundant choices.)
"A full shopping cart at the supermarket is a symbol of security, a promise of nourishment and well-being." (Original quote, connecting the supermarket with basic human needs.)
"From farm to supermarket, the journey of our food is a complex story of production, distribution, and consumption." (Original quote, acknowledging the supply chain behind the supermarket's offerings.)
"The checkout line at the supermarket is a great leveler, where we all wait our turn, rich and poor alike." (Original quote, observing the shared experience of shopping.)
"The supermarket is a stage where we perform our roles as consumers, making choices that define our identities." (Original quote, viewing shopping as a form of social performance.)
"The smell of freshly baked bread in the supermarket is a powerful trigger, evoking memories and stimulating our appetites." (Original quote, focusing on the sensory experience of supermarket shopping.)
"The supermarket is not just a place to buy food; it's a cultural institution that shapes how we think about food and ourselves." (Original quote, emphasizing the supermarket's broader cultural impact.)
Etymology
Super: This part comes from Latin super, meaning "above," "over," or "beyond." Think of words like "superior" or "superb." In "supermarket," "super" implies something large or extensive.
Market: This word has a long history, tracing back to the Latin word mercatus, meaning "market" or "trade." It's related to words like "merchant" and "merchandise." A market is traditionally a place where goods are bought and sold.
So, literally, "supermarket" means "over-market" or "beyond-market," suggesting a market that's bigger and more comprehensive than traditional markets.
While the concepts of large self-service grocery stores existed earlier, the word "supermarket" as we know it today is generally credited to have originated in the United States in the early 20th century. The first known use of the word "supermarket" is generally attributed to an advertisement in 1930 promoting the opening of a large King Kullen grocery store in Jamaica, Queens, New York. The term quickly caught on, and by the 1940s, "supermarket" was in common usage to describe these large, self-service stores offering a wide variety of goods.
The word's etymology reflects the revolutionary nature of these stores. They were "super" in size and scope compared to the smaller, more specialized shops that preceded them. They offered a much wider selection of goods under one roof, changing the way people shopped for groceries and household items.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Supermarket
Original Phrases (playing on the "super" aspect):
Supermarket of Ideas: A place or situation offering a vast array of concepts or possibilities. "The internet is a supermarket of ideas, where you can find information on almost anything."
Supermarket of Opportunities: A context where numerous chances for advancement or success are available. "The tech industry is a supermarket of opportunities for skilled professionals."
Supermarket Mentality: A consumerist mindset focused on acquiring a large quantity and variety of goods, sometimes without much consideration for quality or need. "He had a supermarket mentality, always buying the latest gadgets even if he didn't need them."
Idioms related to shopping, choice, and abundance (synonyms or related concepts):
A kid in a candy store: (Relates to the feeling of excitement and overwhelming choice in a supermarket) "Walking into the electronics store, he felt like a kid in a candy store."
Spoiled for choice: (Relates to the abundance of options) "We were spoiled for choice when it came to restaurants in the city."
The pick of the litter: (Relates to selecting the best items from a variety) "This car is the pick of the litter; it has all the features I want."
To shop till you drop: (Relates to the activity of shopping, often associated with supermarkets) "During the holidays, many people shop till they drop trying to find the perfect gifts."
To be stocked up: (Relates to having a good supply of goods, often purchased at a supermarket) "I went to the supermarket yesterday, so we're stocked up on groceries for the week."
Lesser-known or more specific phrases:
Aisle surfing: Browsing the aisles of a supermarket, often without a specific purchase in mind.
Checkout chaos: The often-hectic experience of waiting in line and paying for groceries at a supermarket.
Supermarket sweep: A fast-paced shopping spree, often referring to the game show of the same name.
While "supermarket" itself doesn't feature prominently in common idioms, the ideas associated with it (abundance, choice, shopping) are reflected in a variety of expressions.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of supermarket from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
