Word
supplementary
Phoneticssup·ple·men·tary
US/ˌsəpɫəˈmɛnɝi/
UK/sˌʌplɪmˈɛntəɹi/
Definitions
01extra or additional
B2 · Upper Intermediate Academic
adj. added to something else to provide more information or to help complete it.
adj. functioning as an addition to something else in order to complete it or provide further detail.
“The teacher gave us supplementary reading to help us understand the history lesson.”
“The report includes supplementary data in the appendices to support the primary findings presented in the executive summary.”
Usage
Often used before a noun to describe materials, information, or income.
Teaching tip
This is a common word in academic and formal contexts; students should use it instead of 'extra' when writing essays or business reports.
Synonyms
02an extra item
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. an extra part or thing that is added to something else.
n. an item or amount provided as an addition to a standard or primary set.
“The payment includes a small supplementary for the extra work performed.”
“The budget allocated a significant supplementary for unforeseen maintenance costs during the winter quarter.”
Usage
Less common than the adjective form; often refers to payments or specific document sections.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “supplementary” in context.
Adjective
01. supplementary technical
“The manual provides supplementary technical details for advanced users of the software.”
adj + noun
02. supplementary material public
03. supplementary social
04. supplementary strong
Real-World Examples
“When we offer supplementary food, such as seeds or meat scraps, this attracts birds of many different species in a combination and number that would not happen in nature.” “It is not as if they need the supplementary income streams.” Etymology
From supplement + -ary; compare French supplémentaire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/supplementary