Supply

Definition

Supply refers to the act of providing or making something available, especially in response to a demand, or the amount of something available for use.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈplaɪ/
• Respelling: suh-PLY

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /səˈplaɪ/
• Respelling: suh-PLY

Etymology

The word "supply" originates from the Latin "supplere," meaning "to fill up, complete, or provide." It is a combination of "sub-" (under) and "plere" (to fill). The term entered Middle English from Old French "soupleer" with a similar meaning.

Derivatives

• Supplier (noun)
• Supplied (verb, past tense)
• Supplying (verb, present participle)
• Resupply (verb)
• Oversupply (noun/verb)

Synonyms

• Provide
• Deliver
• Distribute

Antonyms

• Withhold
• Deprive
• Take

Usage

The noun "supply" commonly refers to the quantity of something available for use, such as "The hospital has a limited supply of medical equipment." The verb "supply" is used to describe the act of providing something, such as "The company will supply food to the event."

Related Terms

• Demand: The desire or need for goods or services.
• Provision: The act of supplying or making something available.
• Stock: A reserve or store of goods.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The amount of something available for use: Refers to the quantity of goods or services provided to meet a need.
  • Example: "The water supply was disrupted due to a pipeline issue."
• Provisions or resources needed for a specific purpose: Refers to items or materials provided to support an activity or task.
  • Example: "They packed a supply of food for the camping trip."

Verb

• To provide or make something available: Refers to the act of giving or furnishing goods or services to meet a need or demand.
  • Example: "The factory supplies parts to automobile manufacturers."
• To fill or satisfy a need or requirement: Describes meeting a demand by providing the necessary resources or goods.
  • Example: "She supplied the information needed for the report."