What is the difference between suppletory and complementary?

Definitions

suppletory

- Referring to something that is added to complete or make up for a deficiency.

- Describing a word that is used to replace another word that cannot be used in a particular context.

- Talking about a legal provision that is used to fill a gap or omission in a law or contract.

complementary

- Describing something that completes or enhances something else.

- Referring to two things that work together to achieve a common goal or purpose.

- Talking about a relationship or partnership where each person or entity brings unique skills or resources to the table.

List of Similarities

• 1. Both words describe something that adds to or completes something else.
• 2. Both words can be used to describe relationships between two things.
• 3. Both words can be used in legal contexts.
• 4. Both words have Latin origins.

What is the difference?

• 1. Purpose: Suppletory is used to fill a gap or deficiency, while complementary is used to enhance or complete something.
• 2. Usage: Suppletory is often used in legal or linguistic contexts, while complementary is more commonly used in everyday language.
• 3. Replacement vs Enhancement: Suppletory refers to something that replaces or substitutes for something else, while complementary refers to something that works together with something else to enhance or complete it.
• 4. Connotation: Suppletory has a neutral or technical connotation, while complementary has a positive connotation.
• 5. Scope: Suppletory is narrower in scope, referring to filling gaps or deficiencies in specific contexts, while complementary has a broader scope, referring to enhancing or completing anything in general.

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Remember this!

Suppletory and complementary both describe something that adds to or completes something else. However, the difference between them lies in their purpose and usage. Suppletory is used to fill gaps or deficiencies, often in legal or linguistic contexts, while complementary is used to enhance or complete something in everyday language. Suppletory has a neutral or technical connotation, while complementary has a positive connotation.