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Supplementary for Dummies

adjective

pronunciation: ,səplə'mɛntəri

What does Supplementary really mean?

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Supplementary is a word that we use to describe something that adds extra information or support to something else. It's like when you're playing a video game, and you find a power-up or an extra life that helps you continue on your quest. That power-up or extra life is supplementary because it gives you an additional boost or support to help you in the game. In the same way, when we talk about something being supplementary, it means it's there to provide extra help or support to something else.

Now, let's break it down a little more. When we say something is supplementary, it means it's not the main thing, but it adds to it and enhances it. It's like when you're building a house, and you have the main structure, which is essential for providing shelter and space. But then you also have additional rooms, such as a guest room or a playroom, that aren't necessary for the basic function of a house, but they add extra value and utility. These additional rooms are supplementary because they enhance the overall purpose and function of the house.

Another way to understand the concept of supplementary is by thinking about a puzzle. When you have a puzzle, the main pieces are the ones that fit together to create the picture. But then you also have some extra pieces that don't quite fit, but they can still give you hints or clues about what the final picture might look like. These extra pieces are supplementary because they supplement the main puzzle pieces and help you solve the puzzle.

So, in summary, when we say something is supplementary, it means it provides extra information, support, or enhancement to something else. It's like a power-up in a video game, an additional room in a house, or an extra puzzle piece. It's not the main thing, but it adds value and helps in some way.


Revised and Fact checked by Michael Rodriguez on 2023-10-28 22:20:54

Supplementary In a sentece

Learn how to use Supplementary inside a sentece

  • In math, if you have a main set of numbers that you are working with and you find some extra numbers to go along with it, those extra numbers are called supplementary numbers. For example, if you have the set of numbers 1, 2, 3 and you find 4 and 5 to go with them, then 4 and 5 are supplementary numbers.
  • When playing a video game, you may have a main mission to complete, but there could also be some extra side missions that you can choose to do or not. These side missions are supplementary to the main mission.
  • In a book, the main story is often supplemented with additional information in the form of footnotes or appendixes. These additional pieces of information are called supplementary content.
  • Imagine you have a puzzle with a main picture but there are some extra pieces that you can put together to make the picture even bigger. These extra pieces are the supplementary pieces of the puzzle.
  • When preparing for a test, you might read the main textbook but also use other resources like study guides or online articles to get some extra information. These additional resources are considered supplementary materials for studying.

Supplementary Synonyms

Words that can be interchanged for the original word in the same context.

Supplementary Similar Words

Words that similar to the original word, but are not synonyms.