ENGLISH
REFERENCE

supplementary

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌsəpɫəˈmɛnɝi// UK //sˌʌplɪmˈɛntəɹi// sup·ple·men·tary

adj. added to something else to improve it or provide more information. You use this for things like extra reading material or a second income.

adj. added to something else in order to complete or enhance it. Often used to describe materials, information, or payments that provide additional support to a primary source.


SIMPLE

The teacher gave us supplementary exercises to practice at home.

CONTEXTUAL

The report includes supplementary data in the final pages to support the main findings.

COMPLEX

While the primary text covers the historical events, the supplementary readings provide essential cultural context for understanding the motivations of the key figures involved.

Synonyms
Origin

From supplement + -ary; compare French supplémentaire.

Usage

Typically used attributively before a noun; often pairs with 'information', 'materials', or 'income'.

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