supplementary

[ suhp-luh-men-tuh-ree ]

adjective

1. Also of the nature of or forming a supplement; additional.

noun

, plural sup·ple·men·ta·ries.

1. a person or thing that is supplementary.

supplementary

/ -trɪ; ˌsʌplɪˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

1. forming or acting as a supplement Also (less commonly)supplementalˌsʌplɪˈmɛntəl

noun

1. a person or thing that is a supplement

Derived Forms

• ˌsuppleˈmentarily, adverb

Other Words From

• nonsup·ple·menta·ry adjective
• presup·ple·menta·ry adjective
• unsup·ple·menta·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplementary¹

First recorded in 1660–70; supplement + -ary

Example Sentences

Expectant mothers and women trying to conceive should continue to take supplementary folic acid - the synthetic version of the vitamin folate - as currently advised by medical practioners.

From BBC

She became the youngest woman in the world to summit K2, and the youngest person to summit Gasherbrum 1 without supplementary oxygen.

From BBC

For her latest climb, Adriana again wanted to summit without the use of supplementary oxygen to make it a tougher challenge.

From BBC

"Till then, all the other steps by corporates, like offering period leave or partnering with mental health firms will remain supplementary at best and symbolic at worst," he said.

From BBC

"This is now the third year for which the Sovereign Grant has not increased by one single penny, despite the supplementary costs incurred by the change of reign and despite the double-digit inflationary pressures that have impacted on goods and services for all organisations in that same period," Sir Michael said earlier this year.

From BBC

Related Words

• ancillary
• auxiliary
• increased