Supplement vs. Supplementary — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 15, 2024
Supplement and Supplementary both relate to addition, but supplements are items added to compensate for a lack, while supplementary material enhances or completes what's already present.
Difference Between Supplement and Supplementary
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Supplements often refer to something added to make up for a deficiency, like dietary supplements taken to provide nutrients that may not be consumed in sufficient quantities. They can be tangible items or intangible services that complement or enhance something else, aiming to fill a gap or shortfall. On the other hand, supplementary material or information serves to complete, enhance, or provide additional context to something that is already considered complete or sufficient in itself. It's not about filling a deficiency, but about providing extra value or clarity.
In grammar, "supplement" can function as both a noun and a verb, indicating the act of adding or the thing added, whereas "supplementary" is an adjective describing something that serves to complete or enhance.
For instance, "I take vitamin supplements to boost my health," versus "The supplementary notes in the textbook helped me understand the topic better."
Supplements are more about addressing a lack or need, while supplementary material adds to something already deemed sufficient, providing greater depth or breadth.
Comparison Chart
Function
To add to something to make up for a deficiency.
To add to something that is already complete.
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Nature
Can be a standalone item that fills a gap.
Enhances or complements something without a gap.
Usage in sentences
Often used as a noun or verb.
Primarily used as an adjective.
Context
Dietary supplements, educational supplements.
Supplementary readings, supplementary information.
Dependency
Supplements may not depend on a specific context.
Supplementary materials often depend on a primary source.
Compare with Definitions
Supplement
A substance taken to remedy the deficiencies in a person's diet.
Omega-3 supplements are popular for their health benefits.
Supplementary
Additional to the main or required amount.
The supplementary reading list was extensive.
Supplement
A separate publication, often for a newspaper or magazine.
The Sunday paper included a holiday supplement.
Supplementary
Completing or enhancing something else when added.
Supplementary exercises were provided for additional practice.
Supplement
An additional section added to a book or document.
The appendix was added as a supplement to the original report.
Supplementary
Added or attached to supply what is lacking.
Supplementary material was added to the final chapter.
Supplement
Something that completes or enhances something else when added.
The teacher provided worksheets as a supplement to the lectures.
Supplementary
Serving as an addition to support or extend a primary source.
The course included supplementary online resources.
Supplement
An additional charge for an extra service or item.
There was a supplement for room service at the hotel.
Supplementary
Additional or extra.
Supplementary questions were asked after the presentation.
Supplement
Something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, or extend or strengthen the whole.
Supplementary
Completing or enhancing something
The development of databases supplementary to existing ones
The programme offers supplementary information about the news
Supplement
A section added to a book or document to give further information or to correct errors.
Supplementary
A supplementary person or thing.
Supplement
A separate section devoted to a special subject inserted into a periodical, such as a newspaper.
Supplementary
Something added to complete a thing, make up for a deficiency, or extend or strengthen the whole.
Supplement
See dietary supplement.
Supplementary
A section added to a book or document to give further information or to correct errors.
Supplement
See supplementary angle.
Supplementary
A separate section devoted to a special subject inserted into a periodical, such as a newspaper.
Supplement
To provide or form a supplement to.
Supplementary
See dietary supplement.
Supplement
Something added, especially to make up for a deficiency.
Supplementary
See supplementary angle.
Supplement
An extension to a document or publication that adds information, corrects errors or brings up to date.
Supplementary
To provide or form a supplement to.
Supplement
An additional section of a newspaper devoted to a specific subject.
Supplementary
Additional; added to supply what is wanted.
Supplement
(geometry) An angle that, when added to a given angle, makes 180°; a supplementary angle.
Supplementary
Something additional; an extra.
Supplement
A vitamin, herbal extract or chemical compound ingested to meet dietary deficiencies or enhance muscular development.
Supplementary
Added to complete or make up a deficiency;
Produced supplementary volumes
Additional reading
Supplement
A surcharge, additional cost, especially for food in a restaurant.
There is a £2 supplement if you choose the steak.
Supplementary
Functioning in a subsidiary or supporting capacity;
The main library and its auxiliary branches
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
Common Curiosities
Can supplements be used as medicine?
Yes, some supplements, like vitamin pills, are used to address nutritional deficiencies.
What does supplementary mean?
Supplementary refers to something added to complete or enhance something that is already considered complete.
Are supplementary materials necessary?
While not always necessary, supplementary materials can provide additional value or understanding.
How do I know if I need dietary supplements?
Consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine if dietary supplements are needed based on health and diet.
Are supplementary materials included in textbooks?
Yes, textbooks often include supplementary materials such as CD-ROMs or online resources to enhance learning.
What is a supplement?
A supplement is something added to make up for a deficiency or enhance something else.
What's the difference between a supplement and a complement?
A supplement adds something to make up for a deficiency, while a complement enhances something without implying a deficiency.
Are there supplements for mental health?
Certain supplements, like omega-3 fatty acids, are believed to have benefits for mental health, but professional advice should be sought.
How do supplementary credit cards work?
Supplementary credit cards are additional cards issued under a primary cardholder's account, intended for use by family members or close associates.
Can I use supplementary material in my research paper?
Yes, supplementary material can be included in research papers to provide additional data or context.
Can dietary supplements replace meals?
Dietary supplements are not intended to replace meals but to supplement the diet with additional nutrients.
How do supplementary exams work?
Supplementary exams are additional exams given to students to improve their grades or pass a subject they previously failed.
What is the role of supplementary angles in geometry?
In geometry, supplementary angles are two angles whose sum equals 180 degrees, often used in various geometric proofs and problems.
Can a book be a supplement?
Yes, a book can serve as a supplement if it adds additional information or context to another source.
Is taking supplements safe?
Taking supplements can be safe when used as directed, but it's important to consult a healthcare provider, especially if taking other medications.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
