surplus
Meaning: An amount of something that exceeds what is needed or used; an excess of revenue over expenditure.
In economics, a trade surplus means a country exports more than it imports, while a budget surplus means government revenue exceeds spending. 'Surplus' can function as both a noun and an adjective (surplus stock, surplus to requirements). It contrasts with 'deficit.' In everyday usage, surplus goods are those left over after demand has been met.
Examples
- The government reported a budget surplus for the first time in a decade. 政府报告了十年来首次的预算盈余。El gobierno comunicó un superávit presupuestario por primera vez en una década.政府は10年ぶりの財政黒字を報告した。정부는 10년 만에 처음으로 재정 흑자를 보고했다.
- Surplus food from the canteen is donated to a local charity each week. 食堂的剩余食品每周捐赠给当地慈善机构。Los excedentes de comida del comedor se donan cada semana a una organización benéfica local.食堂の余剰食品は毎週、地元の慈善団体に寄付されている。구내식당의 잉여 식품은 매주 지역 자선 단체에 기부되고 있다.
- The country has maintained a consistent trade surplus with its neighbours. 该国与邻国一直保持着持续的贸易顺差。El país ha mantenido un superávit comercial constante con sus vecinos.その国は近隣諸国との間で一貫した貿易黒字を維持している。그 나라는 인접국들과의 무역에서 꾸준히 흑자를 유지해 왔다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: professional, media
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From Old French sourplus (surplus, remainder), from sur- (over, above) + plus (more), from Latin super (over) + plus (more). Entered English in the 14th century.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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