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additional

extra / supplementary

/əˈdɪʃənəl/

Adjective

This word conveys the idea of a supplementsomething added to an existing base to make it complete, sufficient, or more comprehensive. It suggests that while the original amount may have been standard or intended, more is now required or provided. Compared to "extra," which can sometimes imply something superfluous or unnecessary (like "extra baggage"), "additional" often feels more formal and purposeful. It is frequently used in professional, legal, and academic contexts to describe necessary increments of time, money, or information. It carries a neutral to positive connotation, implying an expansion or an enhancement rather than a burden.

💬Casual Conversation

🎬Monday morning, Mark's computer desk, next to a half-eaten bagel.
Mark

Yo, can you sort me out with another login for the design suite? This one's buggin'.

Mark
Brian
Brian

You already got three. No additional licenses are on the table, chief.

💡
Mark, the slacker coworker, is vaguely complaining about his current software license ('buggin'') to get an 'additional' one. Brian, the grumpy IT guy, uses 'on the table' as an idiom meaning 'available for discussion or consideration' to firmly deny the request, implying Mark has already used too many licenses and there will be no more.

Meanings

Adjectiveextra

Added, extra, or supplementary to what is already present or available.

"The project will require additional funding to be completed on time."

Adjectivesupplementary

Further; more of the same kind.

"Please provide additional details regarding your previous employment."

Collocations & Compounds

additional charge

an extra amount of money that you have to pay

There is an additional charge for room service.

additional information

extra details or facts about a subject

Please contact us if you require any additional information.

additional cost

an extra amount of money that has to be spent

The project exceeded the budget due to additional cost.

additional resources

extra supplies or help that are available

The team requested additional resources to complete the task.

additional features

extra functions or characteristics of a product or service

The new model comes with several additional features.

Etymology

The word 'additional' comes from the Latin word 'additus', the past participle of 'addere', meaning 'to add'. It entered English in the early 17th century, initially as an adjective meaning 'added' or 'joined'. Its use as a synonym for 'extra' or 'supplementary' became common over time.

Related Words

Last Updated: June 8, 2026Report an Error