Supplementary: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：additional (supplementary)

supplementary 🔊

/ˌsʌplɪˈmɛntəri/

adj.

Something that is added to something else to make it more complete or better.

Supplementary worksheets handed to student in classroom

additional 🔊

➕

/əˈdɪʃənl/

adj.

Something provided as an extra to make the main thing more complete or effective.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'supplementum' (sub- 'up from below' + 'plere' to fill).

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'supply' + 'ment' – extra supply to fill a gap. Supplementary helps complete what is missing.

📖 Example

The teacher provided supplementary exercises for students who wanted more practice before the exam. 🔊 The teacher provided supplementary exercises for students who wanted more practice before the exam.

🔗 Collocations

supplementary information – additional details provided to clarify or expand on the main topic

supplementary materials – extra resources such as worksheets or readings used alongside a textbook

supplementary income – extra money earned outside of a primary job to increase total earnings

🔄 Synonyms

additional (adj.) – extra or more than what is already present

extra (adj.) – beyond the usual or required amount

complementary (adj.) – serving to complete or enhance something else

🚫 Antonyms

primary (adj.) – first in importance or main

essential (adj.) – absolutely necessary; fundamental

core (adj.) – central and most important part

🌱 Derivatives

supplement (n./v.) – something added to complete or enhance; to add an extra element

supplementation (n.) – the act of adding something extra

supplemental (adj.) – serving as a supplement; additional

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Latin 'supplementum' meaning 'something added to fill a deficiency'. Used in legal documents since 14th century for additional clauses. Modern English adopted it for anything that completes or enhances.