A complement can be broadly understood as something that completes something else in some way. Sometimes it completes by improving, as in "a hat that is an elegant complement to the suit," and sometimes it completes by filling a need, as in "a team with a full complement of players."

Mar 4, 2019 · Compliment and complement are commonly confused terms because they’re pronounced alike and originally shared some meanings. But over time, they’ve become separate words with entirely different definitions.

Jun 27, 2023 · Let’s clear up the complement vs. compliment confusion once and for all. Complement refers to something that makes something else perfect or complete, such as tomato sauce complements plain spaghetti. Compliment refers to saying something nice or praising, such as you look nice this evening.

What is the Difference Between Compliment and Complement? In this post, I will outline the differences and definitions of these two words. I will go over the functions of each word and use example sentences to show how they are used in real …

To complement is to complete something, supplement it, enhance it, or bring it to perfection. For example, your shoes may complement your dress, you and your spouse may complement each other, or minced garlic may complement a pasta dish. To compliment is to give praise.

Aug 8, 2022 · Compliment and complement are pronounced the same, but they have different meanings. Compliment (with an “i”) can be used as a noun to refer to admiration or praise. As a verb, it refers to the act of praising.

“Compliment” and “complement” are homophones—words with the same pronunciation but different definitions. As a noun, compliment means “a polite expression of esteem, admiration, or affection.”

Jan 29, 2025 · A compliment is all about giving praise or admiration, while a complement refers to something that enhances or completes something else. By keeping these distinctions in mind, you can avoid common mistakes and communicate more clearly in both your personal and professional life.

Compliment or Complement: If someone passes you a good remark about your behavior, he is complimenting you (verbform). The teacher complimented Emma for her respectable behavior in class.

An easy mnemonic to remember the difference is that to compliment means to praise and to complement means to complete. Complement and complete both have an e. A complement is something that gives completeness to a thing, or makes whole. A compliment is an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration. A good wine is a complement to a good meal.