Supplements Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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supplements

[หˆsสŒplษชmษ™nts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

dietary

Additional substances taken to enhance the diet, often in the form of pills, powders, or liquids.

Synonyms

minerals, nutrients, vitamins.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supplements

Used when referring to additional products one takes to improve their diet or health, often in pill or powder form. Typically taken to address deficiencies or enhance overall well-being.

  • 1
  • She takes dietary supplements to ensure she's getting enough iron
  • 2
  • Bodybuilders often use protein supplements to help with muscle growth
nutrients

A broad term that includes all substances a living organism needs to live and grow, including vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.

  • 1
  • A balanced diet provides all the essential nutrients your body needs
  • 2
  • Plants absorb nutrients from the soil to grow
vitamins

Refers specifically to organic compounds that are necessary for normal growth and nutrition, usually required in small quantities in the diet because the body cannot synthesize them.

  • 1
  • She takes Vitamin C to boost her immune system
  • 2
  • Deficiency in certain vitamins can lead to health problems
minerals

Referred to essential inorganic substances needed by the body for various functions, such as building strong bones or making hormones.

  • 1
  • Calcium and magnesium are important minerals for bone health
  • 2
  • The doctor recommended a mineral supplement to boost his iron levels

Examples of usage

  • They sell a wide range of supplements at the health food store.
  • Many athletes use supplements to improve their performance.
Context #2 | Noun

legal

An addition or amendment to a document, contract, or law.

Synonyms

addendum, addition, appendix.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
supplements

Use 'supplements' when referring to something that enhances or completes something else, often in the context of dietary or informational additions.

  • She takes vitamin supplements to stay healthy.
  • The book comes with online supplements that provide more recent data.
addition

Use 'addition' when something new is included or added to an existing whole, often indicating the act of adding or something that has been added.

  • We are happy to welcome a new addition to our team.
  • The house got a new room as an addition during the renovation.
appendix

Use 'appendix' when referring to a section at the end of a book or document that provides supplementary information, often in the form of tables, references, or detailed data.

  • The report has an appendix that includes all the raw data.
  • For further details, see the appendix at the back of the book.
addendum

Use 'addendum' for additional information added to the end of a document, usually to clarify, correct, or update the original material.

  • The contract includes an addendum with the latest legal changes.
  • Please refer to the addendum for additional terms and conditions.

Examples of usage

  • The lawyer reviewed the supplements to the contract before signing.
  • The government issued a supplement to the existing law.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health and Nutrition

  • Some dietary supplements can improve health, but they are not a substitute for a balanced diet.
  • The FDA does not regulate supplements as strictly as medicines, often leading to inconsistency in product quality.
  • Certain supplements, like Omega-3 fatty acids, can benefit heart health and are sourced from fish oil or algae.

Pop Culture

  • The rise of fitness influencers on social media has led to increased popularity and sales of protein supplements.
  • Documentaries and shows often highlight the debate surrounding the effectiveness and safety of supplements in sports.
  • Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson have their own lines of dietary supplements, boosting their popularity.

Science

  • Research shows that while some people benefit from supplements, others may not need them at all if they eat a varied diet.
  • In science, studies often reveal that the efficacy of supplements can vary depending on age, gender, and health status.
  • Micronutrient deficiencies, especially in developing countries, have led to supplementation programs to improve public health.

Psychology

  • Many people take supplements believing they will enhance their well-being, which can influence their overall mood and health perception.
  • The placebo effect can play a significant role in how individuals experience benefits from certain supplements.
  • Research suggests that the motivations behind why individuals choose to take supplements can be tied to their health beliefs and lifestyle choices.

Origin of 'supplements'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'supplement' comes from the Latin 'supplementum', which means 'something added'.
  • Its usage in English dates back to the late 15th century, initially referring to additions to a manuscript.
  • Over time, the meaning shifted to health and nutrition, where it now commonly refers to dietary aids.

The word 'supplements' originated from the Latin word 'supplementum', meaning 'something added to supply a deficiency'. It first appeared in English in the 17th century and has since been used to refer to both dietary additions and legal amendments.


See also: supplementary, supplementation.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,459 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.