suppletive

[ suh-plee-tiv, suhp-li-tiv ]

/ səˈpli tɪv, ˈsʌp lɪ tɪv /

Save This Word!

adjective Grammar.

serving as an inflected form of a word with a totally different stem, as went, the suppletive past of go.

including one or more such forms: a suppletive paradigm.

characterized by the use of such forms: suppletive inflection.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of suppletive

1810–20; <Medieval Latin supplētīvus, equivalent to Latin supplēt(us) (past participle of supplēre to fill up; see suppletion) + -īvus-ive

Words nearby suppletive

supplementary, supplementary angle, supplementary angles, supplementation, suppletion, suppletive, suppletory, Supplex, suppliance, suppliancy, suppliant