Supplement

Definition

Supplement refers to something that completes or enhances something else when added to it.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsʌplɪmənt/
• Respelling: SUP-lih-muhnt (with "SUP" as in "cup," "lih" as in "lit," and "muhnt" as in "moment")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈsʌplɪmənt/
• Respelling: SUP-lih-muhnt (similar to American English, with "SUP" as in "cup," "lih" like in "lit," and "muhnt" as in "moment")

In both dialects, "supplement" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "SUP." The pronunciation of "supplement" is consistent between American and British English, reflecting the word's straightforward phonetic structure.

Etymology

The word "supplement" originates from the Latin word supplementum, from supplere ('to fill up'), which is formed from sub- ('from below') + plēre ('to fill').

Derivatives

• Supplementation (noun)
• Supplementary (adjective)
• Supplemented (verb, past tense)
• Supplementer (noun)
• Unsupplemented (adjective)

Synonyms

• Addition
• Complement
• Extension

Antonyms

• Core
• Base
• Mainstay

Usage

The term "supplement" is often used in various contexts such as health, nutrition, education, and literature, referring to an addition that completes or enhances the primary element.

Related Terms

• Complementary
• Addendum
• Additive

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Additional Component: An item or element added to something else to enhance or complete it.
• Example: A dietary supplement can provide nutrients either extracted from food sources.

• Extension: An extra part or extension, often provided in publications.
• Example: The newspaper includes a weekend supplement with features, interviews, and reviews.

Verb

• To Enhance: To add an extra element or amount to something to enhance or complete it.
• Example: He supplements his income by working a second job on weekends.

• To Augment: To increase or extend by adding an extra element.
• Example: The teacher provided supplementary materials to supplement the textbook.