supplement
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a pill or powder you take to get more vitamins or minerals in your diet.
n.a substance, such as a vitamin or mineral, taken orally to compensate for a nutritional deficiency or to enhance physical performance.
Simple“He takes a daily vitamin supplement to make sure he gets enough iron.”
In context“Athletes often use protein supplements to aid muscle recovery after intense training sessions, though experts recommend a balanced diet first.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.an extra part of a book, newspaper, or report that gives more information.
n.an additional section or document that provides further information, updates, or corrections to a primary publication.
Simple“The Sunday newspaper comes with a travel supplement full of holiday ideas.”
In context“The technical manual includes a supplement that details the software changes introduced in the latest security patch.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
n.an extra amount of money you pay for a special service or item.
n.an additional charge or surcharge, often applied to travel or dining for premium services.
Simple“There is a small supplement if you want a room with a sea view.”
In context“The tour package price is based on double occupancy, so solo travellers must pay a single-room supplement.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.the amount of an angle that must be added to another to make 180 degrees.
n.the angle that, when added to a given angle, results in a total of 180 degrees.
Simple“If one angle is 110 degrees, its supplement is 70 degrees.”
In context“Students were asked to calculate the supplement of various obtuse angles to demonstrate their understanding of linear pairs.”
Antonyms - 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to add something to another thing to make it better or more complete.
v.to add an extra element to something so as to enhance or complete it. Transitive; typically takes a direct object.
Simple“She works part-time in the evenings to supplement her student loan.”
In context“The lecturer suggested that students supplement their core reading with academic journals to gain a deeper understanding of the topic.”
“The shortfall in power is usually covered by solar and wind during the hot, windy daytimes - but traditional coal- and gas-powered generation will have to be supplemented by imports during the evenings.”
“Many discounts involve pairing up - 2-for-1 cinema tickets, Two-Together railcards, couples gym memberships - plus solo travellers often pay a single person supplement.”
From Latin supplementum (“that which is added to supply a shortage”), from supplere (“to provide something”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.