Definition of the word supplement

The word "supplement" originated in the late Middle English language, around the 14th century. It comes from the Latin word "supplementum," which means "a thing added to something else to make it complete." In Latin, "supplementum" is derived from the prefix "sub" (meaning "under") and the verb "plere" (meaning "to fill"). This prefix and verb combination indicate that a supplement is something that fills a gap or completes what is already present. The Latin word "supplementum" was used in various contexts, such as in law, where it referred to something added to a legal document to make it valid, or in education, where it referred to additional material provided to enhance learning. Over time, the meaning of "supplement" in English evolved to refer to anything that completes or adds to something else, such as vitamins that are added to food as supplements, or articles that are added as supplements to magazines or journals. In summary, the word "supplement" originated from the Latin word "supplementum," which means "something added to make complete." Its meaning has remained largely consistent throughout history, with the same connotations of completion, addition, and enhancement present in the modern-day usage of the term.