supplemental

supplemental — adjective

1. Added to something else in order to make it fuller, more effective, or sufficien

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Added to something else in order to make it fuller, more effective, or sufficient — for example, a supplemental income that helps cover household expenses, or a supplemental reading list that gives extra background on a topic.

例句

Ava took a supplemental weekend job to save money for her trip to Japan.

supplemental + noun (job) for extra earnings

The professor gave students a supplemental reading packet on the topic.

attributive use: supplemental reading packet

同義詞
  • additional

    Most common and neutral; works in any context where 'supplemental' is used

  • extra

    Informal and very common in everyday speech; implies 'more than usual'

  • supplementary

    Interchangeable with 'supplemental' in most contexts, slightly more common in British English

  • auxiliary

    Emphasizes a supporting or backup role; more technical (e.g., auxiliary power)

反義詞
  • primary

    The main or most important item, to which supplemental items are added

  • essential

    Something that is necessary rather than extra or optional

文法句型

supplemental + noun

be supplemental to + noun

用法筆記

Typically used before a noun (e.g., supplemental income, supplemental insurance). More common in formal writing and professional contexts than in everyday conversation, where 'extra' or 'additional' is preferred. For example, native speakers say 'extra cash' rather than 'supplemental cash'.

常見錯誤

❌I need some supplemental money for the bus fare.
✅I need some extra money for the bus fare.
💡'Supplemental' sounds too formal for everyday, small-scale needs; use 'extra' or 'additional' instead.
❌She bought a supplemental dress for the party.
✅She bought an extra dress for the party.
💡'Supplemental' suggests filling a lack or completing a system, not simply buying another of something.