Eke vs. Supplement — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
Eke involves making something last by using it sparingly, whereas supplement involves adding to something to complete or enhance it.
Difference Between Eke and Supplement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Eke typically refers to making a limited quantity of something last by using it sparingly or obtaining a living with difficulty, often due to scarcity. It’s about stretching resources or making do with what one has in a situation of insufficiency. On the other hand, to supplement is to add to something in a way that enhances or completes it. This term often comes into play when something alone is not enough and needs additional elements to improve its effectiveness, value, or strength.
Eke is rooted in the concept of scarcity and the need to make do, implying a situation where resources are limited. It conveys a sense of minimalism and survival, often invoking the idea of just getting by with what is available. In contrast, supplementing implies abundance or at least sufficient resources to add to an existing foundation, enhancing or extending what is already there.
Supplementing can be proactive, aimed at improvement or enhancement before a deficiency becomes apparent. This forward-thinking approach contrasts with the reactive or adaptive nature of eking out, which is typically a response to an existing limitation.
The difference in connotation between eking and supplementing reflects their distinct applications. Eke often carries a somewhat negative or pitiable connotation, associated with hardship or struggle. Supplement, however, is generally seen in a positive light, suggesting improvement, enhancement, and a striving for betterment or completion.
Comparison Chart
Definition
To make something last by using it sparingly.
To add to something to complete or enhance it.
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Connotation
Often negative, suggesting scarcity.
Positive, suggesting improvement.
Usage Context
Scarcity, survival.
Enhancement, completion.
Nature
Reactive, adaptive.
Proactive, forward-thinking.
Typical Associations
Minimalism, making do with less.
Adding value, enhancing effectiveness.
Compare with Definitions
Eke
To make do.
They had to eke out a living in the harsh landscape.
Supplement
To enhance.
He supplemented his diet with vitamins.
Eke
To scrape by.
They eked by on the bare minimum of supplies.
Supplement
To add extra.
She supplemented her income by freelancing.
Eke
To extend sparingly.
She eked the fuel throughout the winter.
Supplement
To complete.
The teacher supplemented the textbook with online resources.
Eke
To manage with difficulty.
He eked out his existence in solitude.
Supplement
To improve.
He supplemented his knowledge by attending workshops.
Eke
To use frugally.
They eked the last of their provisions until help arrived.
Supplement
To augment.
They supplemented their regular training with yoga sessions.
Eke
Make an amount or supply of something last longer by using or consuming it frugally
The remains of yesterday's stew could be eked out to make another meal
Supplement
Something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, or extend or strengthen the whole.
Eke
Archaic term for also
Speak me thy name and eke thy place of birth
Supplement
A section added to a book or document to give further information or to correct errors.
Eke
To supplement with great effort. Used with out
Eked out an income by working two jobs.
Supplement
A separate section devoted to a special subject inserted into a periodical, such as a newspaper.
Eke
To get with great effort or strain. Used with out
Eke out a bare existence from farming in an arid area.
Supplement
See dietary supplement.
Eke
To make (a supply) last by practicing strict economy. Used with out.
Supplement
See supplementary angle.
Eke
Also.
Supplement
To provide or form a supplement to.
Eke
An addition.
Supplement
Something added, especially to make up for a deficiency.
Eke
A small stand on which a beehive is placed.
Supplement
An extension to a document or publication that adds information, corrects errors or brings up to date.
Eke
(beekeeping) A spacer put between or over or under hive parts to make more space.
Supplement
An additional section of a newspaper devoted to a specific subject.
Eke
(transitive) Chiefly in the form eke out: to add to, to augment; to increase; to lengthen.
Supplement
(geometry) An angle that, when added to a given angle, makes 180°; a supplementary angle.
Eke
(archaic) Also; in addition to.
Supplement
A vitamin, herbal extract or chemical compound ingested to meet dietary deficiencies or enhance muscular development.
Eke
To increase; to add to; to augment; - now commonly used with out, the notion conveyed being to add to, or piece out by a laborious, inferior, or scanty addition; as, to eke out a scanty supply of one kind with some other.
He eked out by his wits an income of barely fifty pounds.
Supplement
A surcharge, additional cost, especially for food in a restaurant.
There is a £2 supplement if you choose the steak.
Eke
In addition; also; likewise.
'T will be prodigious hard to proveThat this is eke the throne of love.
A trainband captain eke was heOf famous London town.
Supplement
To provide or make a supplement to something.
Eke
An addition.
Clumsy ekes that may well be spared.
Supplement
That which supplies a deficiency, or meets a want; a store; a supply.
Supplement
That which fills up, completes, or makes an addition to, something already organized, arranged, or set apart; specifically, a part added to, or issued as a continuation of, a book or paper, to make good its deficiencies or correct its errors.
Supplement
The number of degrees which, if added to a specified arc, make it 180°; the quantity by which an arc or an angle falls short of 180 degrees, or an arc falls short of a semicircle.
Supplement
To fill up or supply by addition; to add something to.
Causes of one kind must be supplemented by bringing to bear upon them a causation of another kind.
Supplement
Textual matter that is added onto a publication; usually at the end
Supplement
A quantity added (e.g. to make up for a deficiency)
Supplement
A supplementary component that improves capability
Supplement
Add as a supplement to what seems insufficient;
Supplement your diet
Supplement
Serve as a supplement to;
Vitamins supplemented his meager diet
Supplement
Add to the very end;
He appended a glossary to his novel where he used an invented language
Common Curiosities
Why might someone supplement their diet or income?
To ensure nutritional completeness or financial stability by enhancing what is currently available.
What does it mean to eke something?
Eke means to make something last by using it sparingly, often due to scarcity.
Is supplementing always beneficial?
Generally, yes, as it aims to improve or complete something, but it depends on the context and necessity.
Can eking be considered a strategy?
Yes, eking can be a strategy to manage limited resources in situations of scarcity.
How does supplementing differ from eking?
Supplementing involves adding to something to enhance or complete it, while eking is about sparing use due to scarcity.
How do supplements work in nutrition?
They provide additional nutrients that may be missing from the regular diet, aiming to improve health.
Is eking out a lifestyle choice or a necessity?
It can be either, depending on circumstances; some choose minimalism, while others face economic necessity.
How does eking relate to sustainability?
Eking out resources can be seen as a sustainable practice, emphasizing minimalism and careful use.
Can supplements replace the original item?
Supplements are meant to enhance, not replace, the original item, filling gaps rather than substituting entirely.
What role do supplements play in sports?
They are used to enhance physical performance, recovery, and overall health in athletes.
What is an example of eking out an existence?
Living in a remote area with limited access to resources, relying on what is available for survival.
Can technology be supplemented to enhance performance?
Yes, adding software or hardware can enhance the functionality and efficiency of technological devices.
How do cultural perceptions of eking and supplementing differ?
Culturally, eking might be seen as a struggle, whereas supplementing is often viewed as a proactive improvement.
How can supplementing income affect one’s lifestyle?
It can provide financial relief, enabling a more comfortable lifestyle or savings for future needs.
Is there a psychological impact of eking out a living?
It can be stressful and challenging, impacting one’s mental health due to constant resource scarcity.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
