People often use words like supplementary and complementary in the same contexts. However, there is a lot you ought to learn about these words before using them interchangeably or at all. So, to what extent can you tell about supplementary vs complementary, especially on the connection between these words?
Supplementary means “additional or added to supply something needed or wanted.” So, something supplementary is “something extra.” In contrast, complementary means “acting as a complement, making up a whole with something else.” Both words are primarily adjectives but are applicable as nouns also.
Complementary and supplementary are easily confused because some of their meanings are closely similar. However, they are different words with multiple definitions and applications. Read on to learn the meanings, usage, connection, differences, and multiple examples of these words.
Definitions Of Supplementary And Complementary
The primary source of confusion between these two words is their similar but not the same definitions. Therefore, let us look at these definitions before breaking down their differences and similarities.
Definitions Of Supplementary
This adjective comes from the root noun supplement. So, learning its root noun definition is the best way to understand its meaning.
- Supplement means “something added to complete a whole thing.” A supplement supplies a deficiency.
- A supplement is “a part added to a book or document to add further information or correct errors.”
- As a verb, to supplement means “to complete, add to, or extend by a supplement.”
The definitions of supplementary are:
Supplementary means “additional or added to what is wanted.” Something supplementary is “something additional or an extra.”
Another source defines supplementary as “added to complete or make up a deficiency.” For example, supplementary documents for additional reading.
Supplementary also means “functioning in a subsidiary or supporting capacity.” A person or a thing can be supplementary.
In leadership, supplementary means “a question asked in parliament following the answer to a formerly tabled question.”
As a noun, supplementary refers to “a person or thing that acts as a supplementary of a whole or something else.” In mathematics, supplementary means “angles adding up to 180 degrees.”
Definitions Of Complementary
Supplementary is an adjective formed from the root word complement.
- Complement refers to “something that completes something or makes it perfect.” For example, a tie can complement a look.
- It also means “the quantity or amount that completes something.”
- Another source defines a complement as “the full quantity or amount of something.”
The word complement comes up severally in the definition of complementary. For this reason, the definitions above are vital. Now let us look at the definitions of complementary:
Complementary means “acting as a complement or making up a whole with something else.” This word also means “serving to fill out or complete something else,” like complementary numbers.
In genetics, complementary means “of the specific pairings of the bases in DNA or RNA.” In physics, complementary means “about pairs of properties in quantum mechanics contrariwise linked to each other, like speed and position, energy and time.” In mathematics, complementary (noun) refers to “an angle that adds with another to reach a sum of 90 degrees.”
Another source defines complementary (noun) as “either of two chromatic colors that produce white or gray when mixed.” For example, yellow and blue are complementary colors.
In grammar, complementary means “of words or propositions that negate each other.” For example, male and female are complementary words. An obsolete definition of complementary is “one skilled in compliments.”
How To Properly Use Supplementary And Complementary In A Sentence
The words complementary and supplementary are primarily adjectives. However, you can also use them as nouns in some contexts. Besides this, below are some things to remember when using these words in sentences:
How To Use The Word Supplementary
Use this adjective in a sentence to refer to the following characteristics of something or someone:
- Completing or enhancing something
- An addition to a whole
- A substitute for another
- Lower in rank
- Not important
- Part of a group of two or more
- Part of a whole
You can also use it as a noun when referring to an additional item or the remaining portion of a whole. Furthermore, you can use this word as a determiner. A determiner provides information regarding the quantity of a noun.
A determiner should always come before a noun or adjective when writing. As a determiner, use the word complementary to refer to “something on top of one or less previously referred to.” For example, “Can we have a complementary cup of tea?”
How To Use The Word Complementary
Use this word as an adjective to express the following characteristics or qualities in something or someone:
- Combining to enhance each other’s qualities
- Additional or subordinate
- Possessed in common
- Naturally accompanying or associating
- Perfectly suited
- Consisting of two equal or similar parts
- Indicating a relevant or vital connection
Supplementary And Complementary: Are They Related?
The primary correlation between these words is that they are both adjectives. Additionally, these words contain the adjective and noun word-forming element “-ary.” This word-forming element comes from the Latin words “-arius, -aria, and -aria.” It means “connected with, pertaining to, or engaged in.” It comes from the PIE “-yo,” meaning “of or belonging to.”
These words are also similar because they come from root nouns. Complementary comes from the root noun “complement,” while supplementary comes from the noun “supplement.”
Another relationship between these words is that they both refer to a relationship between two things. Supplementary refers to an additional item or something added to complete a whole or make up a deficiency. On the other hand, complementary refers to things that make up a whole of something else or enhance each other.
Word Vs Word Posts
Supplementary Vs Complementary: The Differences
While these words have a lot in common, they also differ. Here are some of them:
Definitions
The primary difference between these words is that complementary refers to something that completes another thing. In contrast, supplementary is something that enhances another thing. So, something complementary is incomplete, while something supplementary is whole and adds to another whole.
Applications In Mathematical Contexts
These words are applicable in math and statistics contexts. In mathematics, supplementary and complementary are the names of angles. Complementary angles are angles that add up to 90 degrees. On the other hand, supplementary angles are angles that sum up to 180 degrees. So, the value of a complete supplementary angle is “the sum of two complete complementary angles.”
Pronunciation
The right way to pronounce the term complementary is “/kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree/.” In contrast, the correct pronunciation for supplementary is “/suhp-luh-men-tuh-ree/.” Note that both words have five syllables.
List Of Examples Of Supplementary And Complementary Use In Sentences
Use these words in sentences now that you know more about their usage. Here are example sentences to look at:
Example sentences of the word supplementary
- Wine is the perfect supplementary drink for seafood.
- The department heads are entitled to supplementary benefits.
- The supplementary question raised many concerns with the public.
- The supplementary products make the company billions of dollars.
- The teacher taught students about supplementary angles.
Example sentences of the word complementary
- The complementary industries make millions of dollars separately but billions together.
- The couple’s complementary fashion is their strongest characteristic.
- The scientists performed complementary experiments before publishing the results.
- Aligning the complementary research results will give you a better understanding of the concepts.
- Complementary treatments like yoga will help with quick recovery.
Conclusion
Supplementary and complementary are similar-sounding words with various meanings. While they are correct English words, you should never use them interchangeably. Also, they are simple words that you can easily use in sentences. Make sure you learn all the aspects of these words before constructing sentences.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.