Supplant vs. Supplement — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 21, 2024
Supplant means to replace or take the place of, often by force or through strategic means, while supplement means to add to something to enhance or complete it.
Difference Between Supplant and Supplement
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Supplant refers to the act of replacing something or someone, often in a manner that suggests the replacement is taking over. On the other hand, supplement means to add something extra to enhance or complete something that already exists.
Supplant is often used in contexts where the new replaces the old due to being more efficient or effective. For example, electric cars may supplant gasoline cars in the future. Conversely, supplement is used in contexts where addition is beneficial without discarding the original. For example, online resources can supplement traditional textbooks in education, providing additional material without replacing the textbooks.
Supplant can have a negative connotation, suggesting force or unwanted replacement. For example, an employee may be supplanted by a new hire, indicating a replacement that may not be entirely voluntary. Supplement generally has a positive connotation, suggesting improvement or enhancement. For example, vitamins are taken to supplement a diet, indicating an addition for better health.
Comparison Chart
Meaning
To replace or take the place of
To add to something to enhance or complete
Context
Replacement, often by force or strategy
Addition, enhancement
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Connotation
Often negative, implying displacement
Generally positive, implying improvement
Usage Example
"New methods supplant old techniques"
"She takes vitamins to supplement her diet"
Outcome
Original is replaced or displaced
Original is enhanced or augmented
Compare with Definitions
Supplant
To replace something or someone, often by force or strategy.
Digital cameras have largely supplanted film cameras.
Supplement
To provide additional material or support.
The guidebook was supplemented with updated maps.
Supplant
To take the place of another, especially through force or scheming.
The young executive supplanted the old CEO.
Supplement
To fill in a deficiency or gap.
He worked part-time to supplement his income.
Supplant
To displace and substitute for something.
The new software will supplant the outdated system.
Supplement
To add something to enhance or complete it.
She takes extra classes to supplement her education.
Supplant
To usurp the position of.
The rising star supplanted the veteran actor in the lead role.
Supplement
To serve as an addition to.
The lecture notes were supplemented by visual aids.
Supplant
To take the place of or substitute for (another)
Computers have largely supplanted typewriters.
Supplement
Something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, or extend or strengthen the whole.
Supplant
To usurp the place of, especially through intrigue or underhanded tactics
In the Bible, Jacob supplants his older brother Esau.
Supplement
A section added to a book or document to give further information or to correct errors.
Supplant
(transitive) To take the place of; to replace, to supersede.
Will online dictionaries ever supplant paper dictionaries?
Supplement
A separate section devoted to a special subject inserted into a periodical, such as a newspaper.
Supplant
To uproot, to remove violently.
Supplement
See dietary supplement.
Supplant
To trip up.
Supplement
See supplementary angle.
Supplant
To remove or displace by stratagem; to displace and take the place of; to supersede; as, a rival supplants another in the favor of a mistress or a prince.
Suspecting that the courtier had supplanted the friend.
Supplement
To provide or form a supplement to.
Supplant
To overthrow, undermine, or force away, in order to get a substitute in place of.
You never will supplant the received ideas of God.
Supplement
Something added, especially to make up for a deficiency.
Supplant
Take the place or move into the position of;
Smith replaced Miller as CEO after Miller left
The computer has supplanted the slide rule
Mary replaced Susan as the team's captain and the highest-ranked player in the school
Supplement
An extension to a document or publication that adds information, corrects errors or brings up to date.
Supplant
To override or overtake in importance.
Smartphones have supplanted many standalone gadgets.
Supplement
An additional section of a newspaper devoted to a specific subject.
Supplement
(geometry) An angle that, when added to a given angle, makes 180°; a supplementary angle.
Supplement
A vitamin, herbal extract or chemical compound ingested to meet dietary deficiencies or enhance muscular development.
Supplement
A surcharge, additional cost, especially for food in a restaurant.
There is a £2 supplement if you choose the steak.
Supplement
To provide or make a supplement to something.
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
Supplement
To increase the amount or extend the effect of something.
The diet was supplemented with fresh vegetables.
Common Curiosities
Can supplementing something be seen as a positive action?
Yes, supplementing is generally viewed positively as it enhances or improves something.
Is taking vitamins an example of supplementing?
Yes, taking vitamins to add to a diet is an example of supplementing.
Can new technology supplant old technology?
Yes, new technology can supplant old technology by taking its place completely.
Does supplant mean the original is no longer used?
Yes, when something is supplanted, the original is typically displaced or no longer used.
Can supplant be used in a positive context?
Rarely, as supplant usually implies unwanted or forceful replacement.
Does supplant always imply a negative action?
Often, yes, supplanting suggests an aggressive or forceful replacement.
Can a supplement replace the original?
No, a supplement adds to the original, rather than replacing it.
Does supplement imply an improvement?
Yes, supplement implies an addition that enhances or improves the original.
Can a supplement exist without the original?
No, a supplement is meant to enhance or complete something that already exists.
What is the main difference between supplant and supplement?
Supplant means to replace or take over, while supplement means to add to something to enhance or complete it.
Can someone be supplanted in their job?
Yes, if someone is replaced by another person, they are supplanted.
Is adding more information to a report an example of supplementing?
Yes, adding more information enhances the report, making it an example of supplementing.
Is supplanting more common in technology or human relationships?
It can occur in both, but it is often discussed in the context of technology and competitive environments.
Can supplementing something be unnecessary?
Yes, if the original is already complete or sufficient, supplementing might be unnecessary.
Are dietary supplements meant to replace meals?
No, dietary supplements are meant to add to the diet, not replace meals.
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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
