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to supplement

to supplement

61 4.3
To add extra information to make something more complete
  • verb
  • /ˈsʌplɪˌmɛnt/
translation icon : complementar
  • We use body language to supplement and confirm what we are seeing.
  • supplement income
  • supplement the data
  • supplement sources

In that respect, over supplementing does not seem to be helpful.

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Examples

  • He was just using the money to supplement his income.

  • They decided to supplement their diet with vitamins and minerals for better health.

  • You have to, where possible, supplement it with a fact.

  • We are asking the public to help us supplement the investigation.

  • You know, this job's a good way to supplement the, uh, the old income.

  • Well... We can supplement with protein.

  • A number of researchers have focused on the ability to supplement traditional lecture-based courses with computer technology.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Actively seeking out a variety of work-related learning experiences to supplement and enhance classroom activities.

    Academic text (1999)
  • As noted above, the major test vendors recommend supplementing test scores with other measures for course placement.

    Academic text (2011)
  • African Americans historically have relied on kin networks to supplement insufficient resources, among other functions.

    Academic text (2008)

Synonyms

to add
vsto supplement
1.0

Include something extra to make something larger or better

is usually used to improve or fill a specific lack or need
to reinforce
vsto supplement
99 3.9

Make something stronger by adding support or extra parts

adds extras to improve or make up for a lack rather than only strengthening
to complement
vsto supplement
69 4.1

To add something that goes well with another thing to make it better

is broader, used for any extra to improve or make up lack
to augment
vsto supplement
52 5.3

To make something bigger by adding more to it

focuses on improving or filling a lack rather than only increasing
to add on
vsto supplement
9 3.2

To attach something extra to what already exists

serves the same improvement aim but not always about physical attachment
to append
vsto supplement
7 4.6

To add something to the end of a document or list

is broader, adding extras to improve in many contexts not only document ends

Antonyms

1.5

To move something or someone away from a place

56 1.6

To take one number away from another

Compounds

dietary supplement
  • Specialized
14 3.2

A pill, powder, or liquid you take by mouth to add vitamins and minerals to your diet

colour supplement
  • Literature
3.8

A magazine in colour that comes with a newspaper on weekends

An extra charge for a person staying alone in a hotel room or cabin

A tablet, capsule, or liquid taken to increase zinc in the diet

How Much

to augment
52 5.3
to supplement
61 4.3
to top up
3 3.2
to add
1.0

Surface Forms

supplement infinitive
supplemented past participle
supplementing present participle
supplements third person singular

Etymology

Supplement comes from an old Latin word plere meaning 'to fill', just like in the word supply. To supplement something is to add extra parts that 'fill' a need, which explains the verb meaning 'to add something extra'.