A person who oversees and directs the work of others.
Supervisor combines Latin 'super' (above) and 'videre' (to see), literally meaning 'one who sees from above.' The word emerged in the 1600s from the same root that gives us 'video' and 'vision.' Originally, supervision was quite literal - overseers physically positioned themselves above workers to watch them. The term reflects hierarchical thinking where authority comes from elevated physical position, like a ship captain on the bridge or a king on a throne.
Every supervisor is literally a 'watcher from above' - the word preserves ancient ideas about power and sight! The concept assumes that being physically higher gives you better perspective and natural authority. It's why we still talk about 'oversight,' 'looking down on' people, and 'upper management' - supervision is built on the metaphor of height equals power.
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