Question

Which one of the following is a correctly spelled word?

• A. supplemantary
• B. supplementery
• C. supplamentary
• D. supplementary

Hint:

To avoid mistakes, spell out the base noun supplement first. Once you have confirmed its spelling, simply add the standard adjective suffix -ary to the end.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Concept: The objective is to identify the correct spelling of the word meaning "completing or enhancing something when added to it." Let us analyze the word by breaking down its component syllables:
• Base word: *Supplement* (spelled s-u-p-p-l-e-m-e-n-t). Note the double 'p' and the 'e' in the second syllable.
• Suffix: *-ary* (a standard suffix used to form adjectives). Combining the base word and the suffix gives: s-u-p-p-l-e-m-e-n-t-a-r-y. Let us examine why the alternative choices are incorrect:
• Option (A) supplemantary: Misspells the third syllable with an 'a' (*-man-*) instead of an 'e'.
• Option (B) supplementery: Misspells the suffix vowel with an 'e' (*-ery*) instead of an 'a'.
• Option (C) supplamentary: Misspells the second syllable with an 'a' (*-la-*) instead of an 'e'. Therefore, Option (D) contains the correct spelling.