add-on
add-on — noun
1. a hardware device or software program that you fit or install onto a computer sy
a hardware device or software program that you fit or install onto a computer system so it can do tasks it could not perform before — for example, a graphics card that allows video editing or a browser extension that blocks adverts.
Amara bought a graphics card add-on so she could edit videos on her old laptop.
add-on for a specific purpose (editing videos)
Mei-Lin downloaded a browser add-on that blocks unwanted adverts automatically.
The security add-on for the photo software costs an extra fifty dollars per year.
Kwame installed a sound card add-on to improve the audio quality in his music studio.
This printer add-on lets you scan documents straight to your email inbox.
文法句型
add-on for [device/software]
[device] add-on
用法筆記
In computing, add-on is often used interchangeably with plugin or extension, though extension is more common for browser-based tools. Add-on is the broader term covering both hardware and software additions.
常見錯誤
2. an extra item, service, or condition that you choose to include in a larger arra
an extra item, service, or condition that you choose to include in a larger arrangement such as an insurance policy, a travel package, a contract, or a product purchase — you usually pay more for it.
The insurance policy has an add-on that covers damage from flooding.
add-on + that covers [risk]
Deepa chose several add-ons for her new car, including a sunroof and heated seats.
The building contract had an add-on for installing solar panels on the roof.
Valeria added the movie-streaming add-on to her monthly phone plan.
Our tour package includes an add-on for guided visits to local art museums.
- supplement
more formal; often used for written documents or nutritional products
- rider
a specific type of add-on used in insurance and legal documents
- extra
more general and informal; can refer to anything additional
文法句型
add-on to [plan/system/contract]
add-on for [product]
用法筆記
Common in commercial contexts (insurance, telecoms, travel, automotive). The add-on is always optional — it is something you choose to add, not a required part of the base product or plan.
常見錯誤
add-on — verb
- add-onpresent simple I / you / we / they
- add-ons3rd person singular
- add-oning-ing form
- add-onedpast simple
add-on — adjective
1. describes a part or component that is designed to be attached or connected to so
describes a part or component that is designed to be attached or connected to something larger — the part itself is the thing you add.
The camera body accepts several add-on lenses for wide-angle and close-up photography.
add-on + noun describing the part that gets attached
These add-on speakers connect wirelessly to any music player with bluetooth.
The store sells add-on drawers that slide neatly under any standard desk.
- optional
broader; implies choice but not necessarily that the item attaches to another product
- supplementary
more formal; describes something that completes or enhances something else
文法句型
add-on + noun (the part that gets added)
用法筆記
Used only before a noun (attributive position). You say an add-on lens, not *the lens is add-on. This sense focuses on the part being added, not on the system that receives it.
常見錯誤
2. describes a product or system that is built so that extra parts, sections, or fe
describes a product or system that is built so that extra parts, sections, or features can be added to it later without replacing the original unit.
The shelving unit has an add-on design, with extra sections sold separately.
add-on design — the system receives additions
This add-on furniture system lets you expand it room by room over time.
The security camera kit is an add-on system that supports up to eight extra cameras.
- modular
implies pre-designed connection points; modular pieces can be rearranged, while add-on implies one-way expansion
- expandable
more common for describing the capacity of a system to grow
- fixed
describes something that cannot accept additions or modifications
文法句型
add-on + noun (the system that receives additions)
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1: here add-on describes the main system or container (the thing that gets added to), while sense 1 describes the part that is added. For example, an add-on shelving system (sense 2) accepts add-on shelves (sense 1).