Definition

Relating to something that is added to fill out or complete a sentence or expression, often unnecessarily.

Example

The poem included several expletory phrases that did not add meaning to the overall message.

Conversation

Did you notice how some of the phrases in that book felt a bit expletory?

Yeah, I thought they were just filling space without adding much meaning.

Exactly! It's like the author used them to meet a word count.

Totally! I prefer writing that gets straight to the point.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Expletory → It is formed from "expletus" (from Latin, meaning filled out or completed) and the suffix "-ory" (meaning relating to or characterized by). The word "expletory" refers to something that serves to fill out or complete, often in the context of language or grammar.

Memory Tip

Think of something that 'fills out' ('expletus') and is 'related to' ('-ory') — that's why expletory means something that serves to complete or fill out.

Visually Confused Words