Compliment vs Complement
What’s the difference between compliment vs complement, and how do I remember which one is which?
Both are homophones, which are words that have the same pronunciation but have different meanings, definitions, or spellings.
Compliment – means to express praise, admiration, or commendation.
Complement – means to enhance, perfect, or complete.
Here are some phrases to help you keep track of the differences between the two:
I like receiving compliments.
The word complement means complete (or the word complement contains the word complete).
Of course, there is much more to them than that, so let’s take a closer look at both words.
Compliment vs Complement Origins
Both words originated from the Latin word complēmentum which means to complete or fill up. This makes them doublets which are words that have the same root.
Compliment comes from its Latin origin by way of the Spanish word cumplimiento which means to complete or fulfill. Its usage in the English language dates from the mid-1600s.
Complement comes directly from its Latin origin and is the older of the two words. Its usage in the English language dates from the 1300s.
Compliment vs Complement Examples
Both words can be used in different ways, depending on the situation. Let’s look at some examples so that we can better understand the difference between the two.
Adjectives
Both words can be used as adjectives (to describe nouns):
Compliment
He gave me a complimentary review on his website.
It is used here to indicate that the review was positive and full of praise as opposed to a bad review.
When compliment is used as an adjective (complimentary) it can also have a second meaning: to be given freely.
I was given a complimentary shirt for donating blood.
It is used here to indicate that the shirt was free.
Complement
She gave me a complementary book to add to my collection.
It is used here to indicate that the book completed, filled, or enhanced the person’s book collection.
Nouns
Both words can be used as nouns (to identify people, places, ideas, or things):
Compliment
Her compliment made my day a little brighter.
It is used here to indicate that her praise or admiration made the person happier.
When compliment is used as a noun in its plural form (compliments) it can have another meaning as well: regards or well wishes.
Please send the chef my compliments.
It is used here to indicate that the person sends their regards to the chef for a good meal.
Complement
Half of our complement became sick with the flu.
It is used here to indicate that half of the total (or complete amount) of people became sick.
Verbs
Both words can be used as verbs (to convey actions):
Compliment
I complimented my friend for doing well on their test.
It is used here to indicate that the person praised or acknowledged their friend for doing well on their test.
Complement
The spicy meatballs really complemented the spaghetti.
It is used here to indicate that the meatballs completed or enhanced the dish.
Compliment vs Complement Other Uses
While compliment typically has the same meaning (praise, admiration, or well wishes), complement can have different meanings with regards to certain subjects. The following are just a few of the examples of when complement has a different meaning:
Science
In Science, complement refers to a group of proteins found in your blood that help your body to get rid of infectious microorganisms (like bacteria). This part of your immune system’s abilities is known as the complement system, and the proteins are called complements.
A good way to remember this is to think that the proteins enhance your body’s ability to fight infectious microorganisms.
Geometry
In Geometry, complementary refers to two angles that add up to a 90-degree angle. The angles do not have to be next to one another though.
There are two types of complementary angles: adjacent and non-adjacent.
Adjacent complementary angles are next to one another and share one of their sides.
Non-adjacent complementary angles are not next to one another and do not share one of their sides.
A good way to remember this is to think that the angles complete one another by forming a 90-degree angle.
Art
In Art, complementary refers to colors that cancel one another out and are opposite one another on the traditional color wheel. These colors also have the best contrast when placed next to one another. Complementary colors would be red and green, blue and orange, and purple and yellow.
A good way to remember this is to think that the colors enhance each other by creating the best contrast possible.
Final Thoughts on Compliment vs Complement
Initially, it can be difficult remembering the difference between the two, because they are both homophones (words that have the same pronunciation but have different meanings, definitions, or spellings).
Compliment-means to express praise, admiration, or commendation.
Complement-means to enhance, perfect, or complete.
Remember to keep these phrases in mind: I like receiving compliments, and the word complement means complete.
Both words originated from the Latin word complēmentum which means to complete or fill up. This makes them doublets which are words that have the same root.
Both words can be used as adjectives, nouns, or verbs.
When compliment is used as an adjective (complimentary), it can also mean to be given freely, and when it is used in its plural form (compliments), it can mean regards or well wishes.
While compliment typically has the same meaning, complement can have different meanings with regards to certain subjects such as its usage in Science, Geometry, and Art to name a few.
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