Reading Theme:
Adjunct: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：supplementary addition (adjunct)
adjunct
/ˈædʒ.ʌŋkt/
n.
Something added to another thing that is nice but not necessary.
supplementary addition
➕
/sʌplɪˈmɛntəri əˈdɪʃən/
n.
A subordinate or auxiliary element that is added to something more significant to enhance or complement it, but it is not fundamentally required.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'adjunctus' (joined to), reflecting something attached but not integral.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of an ADJustmeNT to your main plan: it's added to fine-tune or supplement.
📖 Example
In our company, the yoga classes are considered a great adjunct to the main employee health program.
In our company, the yoga classes are regarded as an excellent supplementary addition to the core employee health program.
🔗 Collocations
useful adjunct – a helpful or beneficial supplementary element
adjunct to therapy – something that supplements a primary medical treatment
adjunct professor – a professor hired on a temporary or part-time basis
🔄 Synonyms
supplement (n.) – something that completes or enhances something else when added to it
accessory (n.) – a thing which can be added to something else to make it more useful, versatile, or attractive
auxiliary (n.) – a person or thing providing supplementary or additional help and support
🚫 Antonyms
core component (n.) – a fundamental or essential part of something
essential element (n.) – a basic and indispensable part of something
🌱 Derivatives
adjunctive (adj.) – having the character of an adjunct; auxiliary
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'adjungere' (to join). Entered English via French, initially used in legal and logical contexts to denote a secondary or supportive element. Now common in academic and business settings to describe supplementary roles, tools, or benefits.
Meaning 2：grammatical modifier (adjunct)
adjunct
/ˈædʒ.ʌŋkt/
n.
In grammar, a word or phrase that adds extra information to a verb.
grammatical modifier
➕
/ɡrəˈmætɪkəl ˈmɒdɪfaɪə/
n.
In linguistics, a word, phrase, or clause that provides additional, often optional, information about the action or state described by the verb, such as manner, place, time, or reason.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
In the sentence 'She studied quietly in the library yesterday,' the phrases 'quietly,' 'in the library,' and 'yesterday' are all adjuncts.
In the sentence 'She studied quietly in the library yesterday,' the phrases 'quietly,' 'in the library,' and 'yesterday' all function as grammatical modifiers.
🔗 Collocations
adverbial adjunct – an adjunct that modifies the verb by providing information about time, place, manner, etc.
optional adjunct – a modifier that can be removed without making the sentence ungrammatical
adjunct clause – a dependent clause that functions as an adjunct
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
complement (n.) – a word, phrase, or clause that is necessary to complete the meaning of a sentence
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