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Accessory vs Supplement - What's the difference?

accessory | supplement |

As nouns the difference between accessory and supplement

is that accessory is something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment while supplement is something added, especially to make up for a deficiency.

As an adjective accessory

is having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory. Said of persons and things, and, when of persons, usually in a bad sense; as, he was accessory to the riot; accessory sounds in music.

As a verb supplement is

to provide or make a supplement to something.

accessory

English

Alternative forms

* (noun) accessary

Etymology 1

First attested in 1550s. From (etyl) accessorie , from (etyl) accessus. Compare English access, from same root.

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Having a secondary, supplementary or subordinate function by accompanying as a subordinate; aiding in a secondary way; being additional; being connected as an incident or subordinate to a principal; contributing or being contributory. Said of persons and things, and, when of persons, usually in a bad sense; as, he was accessory'' to the riot; ''accessory sounds in music.
  • (legal) Assisting a crime without actually participating in committing the crime itself.
  • Present in a minor amount, and not essential.
    • Synonyms
    * (having a secondary function) accompanying, contributory, auxiliary, subsidiary, subservient, additional, acceding
    Derived terms
    * accessory breathing

    Etymology 2

    * (legal) First attested in 1414. * (fashion) First attested in 1896.

    Noun

    (accessories)
  • Something that belongs to part of another main thing; something additional and subordinate, an attachment.
    • the accessories of a mobile phone
  • * (rfdate) :
    • the aspect and accessories of a den of banditti
  • (fashion) An article that completes one's basic outfit, such as a scarf or gloves.
  • (legal) A person who is not present at a crime, but contributes to it as an assistant or instigator.
  • (art) Something in a work of art without being indispensably necessary, for example solely ornamental parts.
    • Synonyms
    * (one who assists in or instigates an offense) abettor, accomplice, ally, coadjutor, accessary
    Derived terms
    * accessory before the fact * accessory after the fact

    References

    *

    supplement

    English

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • Something added, especially to make up for a deficiency.
  • *{{quote-magazine, date=2013-03, author=David S. Senchina, volume=101, issue=2, page=134
    • , magazine= , title= Athletics and Herbal Supplements , passage=Athletes' use of herbal supplements has skyrocketed in the past two decades. At the top of the list of popular herbs are echinacea and ginseng, whereas garlic, St. John's wort, soybean, ephedra and others are also surging in popularity or have been historically prevalent.}}
  • An extension to a document or publication that adds information, corrects errors or brings up to date.
  • An additional section of a newspaper devoted to a specific subject.
  • *
  • *:"Mid-Lent, and the Enemy grins," remarked Selwyn as he started for church with Nina and the children. Austin, knee-deep in a dozen Sunday supplements , refused to stir; poor little Eileen was now convalescent from grippe, but still unsteady on her legs; her maid had taken the grippe, and now moaned all day: "Mon dieu! Mon dieu! Che fais mourir! "
  • (lb) An angle that, when added to a given angle, makes 180°; a supplementary angle.
  • A vitamin, herbal extract or chemical compound ingested to meet dietary deficiencies or enhance muscular development.

    • Verb

  • To provide or make a supplement to something.

    • Synonyms

    * eke out