supplemental
gb/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl/ us/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl/
B2
English
~ 8700
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B2
property
1
additional; added to something else
Added to something else as extra help, support, or information.
Usage pattern:
supplemental [noun] / [something] is supplemental to [something]
Common mistake:
Learners often confuse "supplemental" with the verb "supplement" and say things like *"I supplemental my income" instead of "I supplement my income". Another common issue is mixing up "supplemental" and "optional": while many supplemental materials are optional, "supplemental" focuses on being added to support or complete something, not just on being a choice.
Synonyms
additional (More general and slightly more common; does not always suggest support or completion in the way "supplemental" often does.)
|
supplementary (Very close in meaning; often interchangeable, though "supplementary" is used slightly more in British English and in education contexts.)
|
extra (More informal and broad; can sound less formal or precise than "supplemental".)
Antonyms
primary (Describes the main or first part, whereas "supplemental" describes something added to that main part.)
|
essential (Describes something necessary by itself, while "supplemental" suggests something added but not strictly necessary.)
Collocations
supplemental income
|supplemental insurance
|supplemental material
|supplemental reading
|supplemental benefits
|supplemental budget
Themes
business
|education
|law
|finance
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company offers supplemental insurance to cover dental and vision care.
- Students can access supplemental materials online to prepare for the exam.
- She works evenings to earn supplemental income for her family.
- The report includes a supplemental chapter with updated statistics.
- Employees receive supplemental benefits, such as childcare assistance.
Learner examples
- He has a second job to get supplemental income.
- The teacher gave us supplemental reading for the test.
- You can buy supplemental insurance for travel emergencies.
- This book has a supplemental guide with answers.
- The website offers supplemental material for this course.
Grammar
Dictionary form
supplemental
IPA
GB/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl/
US/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl/
Syllables & stress
sup - ple - ment - al (4 syllables)
Stress on 3rd syllable (ment)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: supplemental
Word family
Core family
supplement
noun B2
Related words
supplementary
adjective B2
Advanced or less common
supplementation
noun
Expressions
supplemental agreement
6/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl əɡɹˈimənt/
fixed phrase
formal
extra contract added to original
An extra written agreement that changes or adds to a contract that already exists.
Examples
- The two companies signed a supplemental agreement to extend the service period.
- Any changes must be documented in a supplemental agreement approved by both parties.
supplemental benefits
4/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl bˈɛnəfɪts/
fixed phrase
extra employee perks or payments
Extra things that workers get from their company, in addition to normal pay and basic benefits.
Examples
- The new contract includes supplemental benefits such as childcare support.
- Part-time employees may not qualify for supplemental benefits.
supplemental budget
7/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl bˈʌd͡ʒɪt/
fixed phrase
additional official budget allocation
Extra money that a government or organization adds to the budget after the main budget is already set.
Examples
- The city council approved a supplemental budget for emergency repairs.
- Lawmakers are debating a supplemental budget to fund the new program.
supplemental income
2/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl ˈɪŋkˌʌm/
fixed phrase
extra money besides main pay
Money you earn in addition to your main job or main source of money.
Examples
- She started freelancing on weekends to generate supplemental income.
- Many retirees look for part-time work to provide supplemental income.
supplemental insurance
3/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl ɪnʃˈʊɹəns/
fixed phrase
extra insurance coverage
An extra insurance plan that gives more protection than your main insurance.
Examples
- The company offers supplemental insurance for dental and vision care.
- You may need supplemental insurance if your basic plan has limited coverage.
supplemental material
8/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl mətˈɪɹiəl/
fixed phrase
a single extra supporting item
One extra document, file, or piece of media that helps explain or add to the main text, lesson, or product.
Examples
- You can download the supplemental material for this chapter from the publisher’s website.
- The film’s DVD includes supplemental material such as deleted scenes and interviews.
supplemental materials
1/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl mətˈɪɹiəlz/
fixed phrase
extra supporting documents or media
Extra documents, files, or media that help explain or add to the main text, lesson, or product.
Examples
- The textbook comes with supplemental materials online, including videos and quizzes.
- Please review the supplemental materials before our next class.
supplemental reading
5/sˌʌpləmˈɛntəl ɹˈidɪŋ/
fixed phrase
extra reading in addition to main
Extra books or articles that you read in addition to the main textbook or main reading list.
Examples
- The professor posted a list of supplemental reading on the course website.
- Supplemental reading will help you understand the topic in more depth.