ASL signs for SUPERIOR

There are a few signs that convey subtle meanings.

Definition: higher in rank, status, or quality; higher, better, or more important than another.

Pronunciation (sign description): Two bent whole hands are held apart in space in front of the signer with palms facing each other. The dominant hand moves one step above the non-dominant in a small semi-circle motion.

Usage examples: This sign is not solely referred to 'superior'. It has multiple meanings in its breadth of use. For example, something is "higher than the other", "overcome by a superior opponent by two points".

Related signs: TOP-NOTCH, BEST, HIGHER,

Pronunciation (sign description) 2: Same as above, except for the handshape which is the "10" handshape.

Usage examples: "superior officer", "higher in rank".

Related signs: SENIOR.

Non-manual signal (NMS): A change in facial expression (e.g. "th" mouthing) may change the meaning to as: having or showing an overly high opinion of oneself.

Related signs: CONDESCENDING, SNOBBISH.

Deaf Heritage

This clip shows George Veditz signing the concept in 1913.

George Veditz signing in his 1913 film, "The Preservation of American Sign Language" by the National Association of the Deaf.

Ad-free Patron: To remove ads or/and unlock premium content, subscribe today or learn more about the features.

~~ Feeling lucky? ¯\(°_o)/¯ Random word ~~

Search Tips and Pointers

Search/Filter: Enter a keyword in the filter/search box to see a list of available words with the "All" selection. Click on the page number if needed. Click on the blue link to look up the word. For best result, enter a partial word to see variations of the word.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Alphabetical letters: It's useful for 1) a single-letter word (such as A, B, etc.) and 2) very short words (e.g. "to", "he", etc.) to narrow down the words and pages in the list.

For best result, enter a short word in the search box, then select the alphetical letter (and page number if needed), and click on the blue link.

Screenshot of dictionary search with notes
Screenshot of the search dictionary

Don't forget to click "All" back when you search another word with a different initial letter.

If you cannot find (perhaps overlook) a word but you can still see a list of links, then keep looking until the links disappear! Sharpening your eye or maybe refine your alphabetical index skill. :)

Add a Word: This dictionary is not exhaustive; ASL signs are constantly added to the dictionary. If you don't find a word/sign, you can send your request (only if a single link doesn't show in the result).

Videos: The first video may be NOT the answer you're looking for. There are several signs for different meanings, contexts, and/or variations. Browsing all the way down to the next search box is highly recommended.

Video speed: Signing too fast in the videos? See HELP in the footer.

ASL has its own grammar and structure in sentences that works differently from English. For plurals, verb inflections, word order, etc., learn grammar in the "ASL Learn" section. For search in the dictionary, use the present-time verbs and base words. If you look for "said", look up the word "say". Likewise, if you look for an adjective word, try the noun or vice versa. E.g. The ASL signs for French and France are the same. If you look for a plural word, use a singular word.