If there is a published list of commonly confused words, complement and compliment are almost certain to appear. However, these two terms don’t have to be on your personal list of befuddling vocabulary! Let’s clear up the complement vs. compliment.
This week's post is aimed at a problem I see on social media quite a bit. In speech, compliment and complement could be swapped and many wouldn't even bat an eye, but it's different in writing.
Meanwhile, complement and supplement can easily be mistaken as the same thing when there's a slight difference between the two. So in this post, let's untangle compliment, complement, and supplement.
Be careful because both complement and compliment can be used as either a noun or verb. Complement and compliment used to share some meanings, because they derive from the same Latin root word. Complement used to mean “to compliment,” but that meaning is obsolete.
So, how can you differentiate between complement and compliment? Are you smart, creative, or compassionate? When you acknowledge your compliment, you will recall that the letter I is the difference between compliment and complement. These terms are homophones, words that sound alike but have different definitions and spellings. This trick will also help you decide how to spell each word correctly in the proper context. If you are not a fan of tooting your own horn, you could associate the I with insult. An insult is the opposite of a compliment. To remember complement, think of the word enhance when you look at the e.
Read also: Interpreting Blood Dreams
How Do I Use 'Complement' and 'Compliment' Correctly? | Lexicon Lounge
How to Define Complement
If you think complement looks a little like the word complete, that can help you to remember some of its most useful meanings. Complement is something that completes another thing or set of things. It's used in math and phrasing.
A complement is something that makes up a satisfying whole with something else. Complement comes from the Latin complementum, "something that fills up or completes." Complement keeps both the e and the meaning. It's also a verb; if you and your partner complement each other, you make a perfect pair.
In science, the complement system refers to proteins that circulate in your blood. The name of the system derives from its function. Specific proteins match specific antibodies. In other words, the proteins complement the antibodies. Complements also appear in mathematics. A complement is an amount added to something to complete it. In economics, the definition of complementary goods is interesting.
As a verb, what does complement mean?
Read also: Decoding Common Dreams
But people can be complementary to each other as well. The cliche of the "good cop/bad cop" routine in interrogations is an instance of two people complementing each other. Also, the institution of marriage is meant to signify the union of two people who complement each other in love and life.
Examples of using complement:
- The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit.
- The shirt complements the suit nicely.
- The soup and salad complement each other well.
A counterpart is one of two parts that complement or complete one another. Enhancements intensify or raise the value of something. Makeweights complete a desired weight on a scale.
How to Define Compliment
Everybody loves a compliment. Or is it a complement they love? It’s is an expression of praise, commendation, respect, or regard. It can be a formal act or as simple as a courteous greeting or wishing someone well.
Compliment can be used as a noun or verb. As a noun, compliment is an expression of esteem, acclaim, or admiration. For instance, I could pay someone a compliment on their "beautiful new haircut" or "excellent usage of grammar." As a verb, it just means to pay a compliment.
Read also: Understanding Mercy as a Gift
The verb compliment means to praise, congratulate, or say something admiring to someone. It can also include showing kindness.
Examples of using compliment:
- “I take no leave of you, Miss Bennet. I send no compliments to your mother. You deserve no such attention."
- “Compliment people."
Praise is not the only definition of compliment. In the first example below, the phrase identifies the provider of something given at no charge. Praise is the act of expressing favor or admiration.
Complementary vs. Complimentary
What about the related words complimentary and complementary? Both of these words function as adjectives. Complimentary means expressing a compliment or favorable. It can also mean free in reference to items or services provided as a courtesy.
Supplement
Supplement seems a lot like complement in that it can help complete something, but it's most commonly used to make an addition to something. A good example is if you do supplemental reading for a class.
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘complement'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors.