WordGarden.iosupplemental
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /sˌʌplɪmˈɛntəl/
US
- /ˌsəpləˈmɛnəl/
Meanings
Adjective
added to complete, support, or enhance something else
Beyond the definition
Think of a chef making a soup. The main ingredients matter most, but a sprinkle of herbs or a swirl of cream adds something more. That is the idea behind supplemental.
It means giving something extra beyond what is basic or required. It often adds support, help, or more of something that is already there. You might earn supplemental income if your main job does not cover all your expenses. Schools may offer supplemental instruction for students who need extra help. A supplemental vitamin can help fill a gap in your diet. It adds to what you already have.
The word "supplemental" describes something that is added to something else to support it, complete it, or improve it. It is usually not the main part, but it helps make the whole thing better. Imagine building a house: the foundation, walls, and roof are essential. But things like extra insulation, added storage, or a backup heater are supplemental. They are not the core structure, but they add comfort, support, or usefulness.
This word is commonly used in contexts where something is being added to an existing system or structure. For example:
- Supplemental Income: Money earned from a source other than your primary job. "She took on a part-time job to provide supplemental income for her family."
- Supplemental Education: Extra classes or tutoring designed to help students who are struggling. "The school offered supplemental math lessons after school."
- Supplemental Nutrition: Vitamins, minerals, or other nutrients taken in addition to your regular diet. "He takes a daily vitamin as a supplemental source of vitamin D."
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): A federal program providing financial assistance to people with limited income and resources.
The key idea is that something supplemental is not the main thing, but it adds useful support or extra value. It helps fill a need, strengthen what is already there, or make something more complete. So when you hear "supplemental," think of it as a helpful extra that supports the main part rather than replacing it.
Examples
- 1
Extra practice
The teacher posted some supplemental reading for students who wanted more practice.
- 2
Lesson videos
The website includes supplemental videos that explain the harder parts of the lesson.
- 3
Insurance
Many employees buy supplemental insurance to cover costs their basic plan does not pay.
- 4
Extra income
She started doing weekend design work for supplemental income.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Report appendix
The charts in the appendix are supplemental to the main report.
- Patternsupplemental to + main thing
added to it, not replacing it
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Do not confuse
Used with (collocations)
- supplemental information
- supplemental insurance
- supplemental materials
- supplemental income
Word family
Explore
- appendix
- supporting material
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- supplementaladjective