Suppletive

/səˈpliːtɪv/
adjective

Referring to an instance where a different word is used instead of regular forms.

In English, 'go' and 'went' are a suppletive pair because 'went' isn't formed from 'go'.
Visual representation of "suppletive" - Referring to an instance where a different word is used instead of regular forms.

Often appears as...

  • suppletive form
  • suppletive pair

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

noun

A word that is used instead of a regular form.

In the phrase 'good, better, best', 'better' and 'best' serve as the suppletive of 'good'.
Visual representation of "suppletive" - A word that is used instead of a regular form.

Often appears as...

  • suppletive of
  • suppletive to

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

adjective

Referring to an instance where a different word is used instead of regular forms.

In English, 'go' and 'went' are a suppletive pair because 'went' isn't formed from 'go'.
Visual representation of "suppletive" - Referring to an instance where a different word is used instead of regular forms.

Often appears as...

  • suppletive form
  • suppletive pair

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

noun

A word that is used instead of a regular form.

In the phrase 'good, better, best', 'better' and 'best' serve as the suppletive of 'good'.
Visual representation of "suppletive" - A word that is used instead of a regular form.

Often appears as...

  • suppletive of
  • suppletive to

Usage tips

Formal

Academic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "suppletive"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Irregular Formation

Suppletive forms break normal word-creating patterns, which can confuse language learners.

Illustration for Irregular Formation
You can't predict 'went' from 'go'; it's a suppletive form.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Historical Roots

Suppletive forms often arise from historical language evolution and mixing.

Illustration for Historical Roots
'Went' is the suppletive past of 'go', originating from an entirely different verb.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Limited Use

Suppletive pairs are rare and usually limited to commonly used verbs or adjectives.

Illustration for Limited Use
Because they're rare, identifying a suppletive pair like 'go' and 'went' is tricky.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Irregular Formation

Suppletive forms break normal word-creating patterns, which can confuse language learners.

Illustration for Irregular Formation
You can't predict 'went' from 'go'; it's a suppletive form.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Historical Roots

Suppletive forms often arise from historical language evolution and mixing.

Illustration for Historical Roots
'Went' is the suppletive past of 'go', originating from an entirely different verb.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Limited Use

Suppletive pairs are rare and usually limited to commonly used verbs or adjectives.

Illustration for Limited Use
Because they're rare, identifying a suppletive pair like 'go' and 'went' is tricky.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Irregular Formation

Suppletive forms break normal word-creating patterns, which can confuse language learners.

Illustration for Irregular Formation
You can't predict 'went' from 'go'; it's a suppletive form.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Historical Roots

Suppletive forms often arise from historical language evolution and mixing.

Illustration for Historical Roots
'Went' is the suppletive past of 'go', originating from an entirely different verb.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Limited Use

Suppletive pairs are rare and usually limited to commonly used verbs or adjectives.

Illustration for Limited Use
Because they're rare, identifying a suppletive pair like 'go' and 'went' is tricky.
Visual representation of the word "Suppletive"

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