Complement or compliment? These words sound the same, but they mean different things. Complement describes something that completes or enhances another thing, while compliment means expressing praise or admiration. Knowing which word to use can help you avoid confusing sentences in emails, essays, and everyday writing.
Quick Answer: Complement vs. Compliment
- Complement: Something that completes, improves, or goes well with something else.
- Compliment: A positive remark that shows praise, approval, or admiration.
For example, a blue tie complements a gray suit, but telling someone their suit looks great is a compliment.
Complement vs. Compliment: Key Differences
| Feature | Complement | Compliment |
| Main meaning | Complete or enhance | Praise or admire |
| As a noun | Something that adds to or completes something | A positive remark |
| As a verb | To complete or improve | To express praise |
| Example | The herbs complement the soup. | The chef complimented the meal. |
Both words work as nouns and verbs, and they are usually pronounced alike. Their meanings, however, are different.
When to Use Complement
Use complement when something completes, improves, balances, or works well with something else. It can describe clothing, colors, flavors, skills, or parts of a whole.
As a noun:
- The necklace is a perfect complement to her dress.
- A clear conclusion is a useful complement to a strong introduction.
As a verb:
- Fresh herbs complement the flavor of the soup.
- Her writing skills complement his technical knowledge.
In academic or professional settings, the word can also describe things that fill different needs or make each other more effective. For example, two courses may complement each other by covering related topics.
When to Use Compliment
Use compliment when someone says something positive about a person, their work, or something they have done.
As a noun:
- She received a compliment on her presentation.
- His kind words were a welcome compliment.
As a verb:
- The manager complimented the team on its work.
- I complimented Maya on her progress.
A useful grammar pattern is compliment someone on something. For example, “The teacher complimented Alex on his essay.” You can also say pay someone a compliment, as in “She paid her colleague a compliment.”
Complementary vs. Complimentary
These related words cause confusion, too.
- Complementary means that two or more things work well together or enhance each other. The colors are complementary.
- Complimentary means expressing praise or provided free of charge. The hotel offers complimentary breakfast.
So, complementary skills work well together, while complimentary drinks are free. The meaning depends on the context.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incorrect: “Your shoes compliment your outfit.”
- Correct: “Your shoes complement your outfit.”
- Incorrect: “My supervisor gave me a complement.”
- Correct: “My supervisor gave me a compliment.”
Remember that complement is about completing or enhancing, while compliment is about praise. Although older English included some now-obsolete overlapping meanings, these are the standard distinctions in modern writing.
Easy Memory Trick
Think complement = complete. Both words contain an e, and a complement completes or improves something. Think compliment = praise when someone says something nice.
FAQs
Does compliment mean praise?
Yes. A compliment is a positive remark, and to compliment someone means to express admiration or approval.
Can complement be used as a verb?
Yes. It means to complete or enhance something, as in “The jacket complements the trousers.”
Is complimentary the same as complementary?
No. Complementary means things work well together. Complimentary means praising someone or something, or provided free of charge.
Conclusion
The difference between complement and compliment is simple: one completes or enhances, and the other expresses praise. Use complement when things work well together and compliment when someone offers admiration.
Remembering these meanings and the difference between complementary and complimentary will help you choose the right word.
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William Strunk is a respected authority on English grammar, usage, and writing style, known for his influential work The Elements of Style. At EduNexxa, his focus is on clear, concise, and effective English.
Bryan Garne