supplement
SUHP-lih-muhnt
Supplement (noun) means something added to make up for what's missing. Example: “A vitamin supplement can help if your diet lacks certain nutrients.”
noun
1
Something added to make up for what's missing.
"A vitamin supplement can help if your diet lacks certain nutrients."
"The report came with a supplement covering new data."
"She takes an iron supplement every morning."
2
A separate section added to a newspaper, journal, or document on a specific topic.
"The magazine published a free supplement about gardening with this month's issue."
"Readers can find job adverts in the weekly supplement inside the newspaper."
"The Sunday paper includes a travel supplement."
verb
1
To add something extra to fill a gap.
"Farmers supplement the cows' grass with extra feed during the winter months."
"He supplements his income by freelancing on weekends."
"She supplements her diet with vitamin D during winter."
How to use supplement
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething extra added to complete or make up for what's lacking — as a noun (a pill, an added section) or a verb (to add to).
Easily confused with
Common pairings
dietary supplement
supplement your income
weekend supplement
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Word forms
- Plural
- supplements
- Third person singular
- supplements
- Past tense
- supplemented
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A vitamin _____ can help if your diet lacks certain nutrients.
Etymology
From Latin supplementum, from supplere ("to fill up, complete").
Synonyms
View more →
addition
add-on
extra
addendum
appendix
augment
postscript
supplementation
appurtenance
accessory
append
affix
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for supplement
cement
element
clement
movement
pavement
tenement
inclement
abatement
amusement
statement
agreement
excrement
See all rhymes for supplement →
Frequently asked questions
What does “supplement” mean?
The word “supplement” means something added to make up for what's missing. In plain terms, something extra added to complete or make up for what's lacking — as a noun (a pill, an added section) or a verb (to add to).
How do you pronounce “supplement”?
“Supplement” is pronounced SUHP-lih-muhnt (/ˈsʌp.lə.mənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “supplement” in a sentence?
Here is “supplement” used in a sentence: “The report came with a supplement covering new data.”
What part of speech is “supplement”?
Depending on how it is used, “supplement” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “supplement” come from?
The word “supplement” comes from Latin. From Latin supplementum, from supplere ("to fill up, complete").
Is “supplement” a common word?
“Supplement” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “supplement” have?
“Supplement” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: something added to make up for what's missing.
What is the difference between supplement and complement?
To supplement something is to add to it in order to make up for what is missing, as in supplementing your income with a second job. To complement something is to complete it or go well with it, as in a wine that complements a meal. Supplement fills a gap; complement makes a good match.
What is the difference between a supplement and a substitute?
A supplement is added alongside something to make up for what is missing, while a substitute replaces the thing altogether. Adding a supplement to your diet builds on it; using a substitute means the original is no longer there.
What is a newspaper supplement?
A newspaper supplement is a separate section added to a newspaper or journal that covers a specific topic, such as sport, travel, or weekend features. It supplements the main paper by adding dedicated extra material.
Do you say supplement with or supplement by?
Use "with" for the thing being added: you supplement a diet with vitamins or supplement a course with online materials. "By" typically introduces an action in the -ing form, as in "she supplemented her income by tutoring in the evenings."
