Past tense of supplement; added something extra to complete or enhance something else.
From Latin 'supplementum' meaning 'something added to complete', from 'supplere' meaning 'to fill up' (sub- 'under' + plere 'to fill'). The concept of filling gaps or adding completeness has remained consistent since ancient Rome.
The word literally means 'filled up from underneath' - like adding foundation blocks to strengthen a structure. Whether it's supplementing income with a side job or supplementing diet with vitamins, the core idea is always about filling perceived deficiencies or gaps.
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