supplement

[ noun suhp-luh-muhnt; verb suhp-luh-ment ]

noun

1. something added to complete a thing, supply a deficiency, or reinforce or extend a whole.
2. a part added to a book, document, etc., to supply additional or later information, correct errors, or the like.

   Synonyms: epilogue, addendum, postscript

3. a part, usually of special character, issued as an additional feature of a newspaper or other periodical.
4. Geometry. the quantity by which an angle or an arc falls short of 180° or a semicircle.

verb (used with object)

1. to complete, add to, or extend by a supplement.
2. to form a supplement or addition to.
3. to supply (a deficiency).

supplement

noun

1. an addition designed to complete, make up for a deficiency, etc
2. a section appended to a publication to supply further information, correct errors, etc
3. a magazine or section inserted into a newspaper or periodical, such as one with colour photographs issued every week
4. geometry
   1. either of a pair of angles whose sum is 180°
   2. an arc of a circle that when added to another arc forms a semicircle Abbreviationsupsupp

verb

1. tr to provide a supplement to, esp in order to remedy a deficiency

Derived Forms

• ˌsupplemenˈtation, noun
• ˈsuppleˌmenter, noun

Other Words From

• supple·menter noun
• un·supple·mented adjective
• well-supple·mented adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplement¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin supplēmentum “that by which anything is made full,” equivalent to sup- sup- + plē- (stem of plēre “to fill”; full ¹ ) + -mentum -ment

Word History and Origins

Origin of supplement¹

C14: from Latin supplēmentum, from supplēre to supply ¹

Synonym Study

See appendix. See complement.

Example Sentences

The X-ray microscopic analysis was then supplemented by further spectroscopic and microscopic examinations.

From Science Daily

Some campaigners argue the OSA does not go far enough, and will need to be toughened or supplemented with other restrictions, for example on mobile phone use by young people.

From BBC

But his major source of revenue was a collection of dietary supplements catering to the specific needs and paranoias of his fan base: Infowars Life Silver Bullet Colloidal Silver.

From Los Angeles Times

In addition, the NHS recommends women who are trying for a baby take folic acid supplements for approximately three months before getting pregnant, and for at least 12 weeks after becoming pregnant.

From BBC

“They already give supplements and provide health care services to pregnant women. Now extend that to menopausal women.”

From BBC

Related Words

• additive

More About Supplement

What does supplement mean?

A supplement is an addition to something that completes it or makes up for a shortcoming, as in He takes vitamin supplements to make up for his vitamin C deficiency.

A supplement is also an addition to a book that provides important information or corrects errors. In this sense, supplement can be confused with the words appendix and index. An appendix gives additional information, such as charts and graphs, but the book or document would be considered complete without it. An index is an alphabetical list of names or topics with page numbers that helps you find something specific in the book, such as all the references to John Wilkes Booth in a biography of Abraham Lincoln.

As a verb, supplement means to add to something, as in Tameka sold paintings to supplement her income.

In this sense, supplement can be confused with the word complement. Both words mean to add something, but to complement means to add something to make up for a missing piece or element, while to supplement is to add extra information.

Example: The company built a new roller coaster to supplement its original roller coaster, which always has a long line.  

Where does supplement come from?

The first records of supplement come from around 1350. It comes from the Latin noun supplēmentum, meaning “that by which anything is made full.” A supplement is often an addition that makes up for something that is lacking.

The word supplement is commonly used to specifically refer to pills or other substances that are designed to provide nutrients that might be missing in your diet. In the United States, the Food and Drug Association carefully regulates these products and ensures that they are not dangerous or don’t make false health claims. Often, you would take these dietary supplements to make up for vitamins or essential nutrients you’re not getting normally, such as due to dietary restrictions.

Did you know … ?

What are some other forms related to supplement?

• supplementer (noun)
• supplementation (noun)
• unsupplemented (adjective)
• well-supplemented (adjective)

What are some synonyms for supplement?

• additive
• addition
• augment
• enhance
• improve

What are some words that share a root or word element with supplement? 

• supplementary
• supplemental
• supply

What are some words that often get used in discussing supplement?

• add-on
• deficiency
• shortage
• vitamin
• protein

What are some words supplement may be commonly confused with?

• complement
• appendix
• index

How is supplement used in real life?

Supplement is a common word that is often used in “dietary supplements.”

Honest question: has anyone ever taken a supplement (vitamin/herb/etc) and noticed a direct benefit or change in your health from it?

If so, what was it?

— Amelia Boone (@ameliaboone) August 24, 2020

Gym rats like us don’t take supplements.

— 🇬🇭 x 🇱🇷 x 🇪🇺 De Konyine Boyz (@JICHOdaDOG) November 9, 2020

My library now does deliveries for books you put on hold, so I decided to take advantage of it to supplement the ebooks I get from them on Libby on my Kindle. Got my first book mail today, exciting.

— Denise Ruttan (@TeaWhileWriting) November 5, 2020

Try using supplement!

Is supplement used correctly in the following sentence?

Natasha added some flowers and decorations to the room to supplement its beauty.