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suppletory

American  
[suhp-li-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] / ˈsʌp lɪˌtɔr i, -ˌtoʊr i /

adjective

  1. supplying a deficiency.


suppletory British  
/ -trɪ, ˈsʌplɪtərɪ /

adjective

  1. archaic  remedying deficiencies; supplementary

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • suppletorily adverb

Etymology

Origin of suppletory

1620–30; < Late Latin supplētōrius, equivalent to supplē ( re ) ( suppletion ) + -tōrius -tory 1

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Adj. added &c. v.; additional; supplemental, supplementary; suppletory†, subjunctive; adjectitious†, adscititious†, ascititious†; additive, extra, accessory.

From Project Gutenberg

Take not offence at the lack of all such suppletory arts and stratagems in thy servant, said poor Wet-eyes. 

From Project Gutenberg

‘Our hearts are so deceitful in the matter of repentance,’ says Jeremy Taylor, ‘that the masters of the spiritual life are fain to invent suppletory arts and stratagems to secure the duty.’

From Project Gutenberg

Say that to-night as you look around on the grievous famine of the suppletory arts and stratagems of repentance and reformation in your heathenish bedroom.

From Project Gutenberg

Will you not, then, make it the beginning of some of the suppletory arts and stratagems of the spiritual life with yourselves? 

From Project Gutenberg