supplementary
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
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.
Simple“The teacher gave us supplementary reading to help us understand the history lesson.”
In context“The report includes supplementary data in the appendices to support the primary findings presented in the executive summary.”
UsageOften used before a noun to describe materials, information, or income.
Teacher's tipThis is a common word in academic and formal contexts; students should use it instead of 'extra' when writing essays or business reports.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“The payment includes a small supplementary for the extra work performed.”
In context“The budget allocated a significant supplementary for unforeseen maintenance costs during the winter quarter.”
UsageLess common than the adjective form; often refers to payments or specific document sections.
Usage supplementary material public · supplementary social · supplementary strong
“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.”
From supplement + -ary; compare French supplémentaire.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.