Supplementary Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈsʌpləˈment(ə)rē/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun or Adjective

Definition

A thing that is added to something else in order to make it complete, extensive, or more thorough; an extra addition or adjunct that supplements or enhances something.

Examples

• The additional training program was a supplementary course that helped to improve our skills.
• The supplementary income helped us to pay our bills on time.

Synonyms

• Auxiliary
• Secondary
• Accessory

Antonyms

• Main
• Primary
• Principal

Additional Information

Supplementary materials are often used to provide further information or support in fields such as education, law, or business. They may include textbooks, manuals, or additional resources that enhance the main content. In a broader sense, supplementary information can be used to clarify or expand on existing knowledge.

Supplementary items can also refer to additional items that are not essential but provide a useful enhancement. For example, a car’s navigation system is a supplementary feature that can enhance the driving experience.

Etymology

The word “Supplementary” comes from the Latin “supplementum”, meaning “something added” or “something given in addition”.

Usage Notes

When using the word “Supplementary”, it’s important to consider the context in which it’s being used. For example, in an academic setting, supplementary materials may refer to additional readings or resources that are not essential but can enhance understanding.

Cultural References

In the popular TV show “The Office”, the character Michael Scott refers to his car’s entertainment system as a “supplementary feature”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Supplementary to” is an idiomatic expression that means “in addition to” or “alongside”.

Related Words or Phrases

• Addendum
• Accompanying
• Concomitant

Collocations

• Supplementary income
• Supplementary materials
• Supplementary features

Frequency of Use

The word “Supplementary” is reasonably common in modern language, although its usage is generally limited to specific contexts such as education, business, or law.

Common Misspellings

• Supplimentary
• Supplementery
• Suplimentary