“Complement” or “Compliment”—Which to use?

“Complement” or “Compliment”

Overview

complement / compliment are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

complement: (noun) a word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction. (noun) a complete number or quantity. (noun) number needed to make up a whole force. (noun) something added to complete or embellish or make perfect. (noun) one of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response. (noun) either of two parts that mutually complete each other. (verb) make complete or perfect; supply what is wanting or form the complement to.

compliment: (noun) a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration. (verb) say something to someone that expresses praise. (verb) express respect or esteem for.

Pronunciation

complement: k·AA·m·p·l·ah·m·ah·n·t

compliment: k·AA·m·p·l·ah·m·eh·n·t

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Examples in Context

Examples of “complement”

…series of watercolours designed to complement the song themes, in addition…
The boat had a complement of between forty-four and sixty.
…production, and created condiments to complement, preserve and mask the flavors…
…in purchasing 80–120 units to complement the fleet of Soviet T-55…
…a military national hero, to complement Rivadavia, and wrote a biography…
…wine together with dishes that complement each other such as an…
As much as they complement the movie, or serve the…
…of two main strategies — complement or contrast.
…the other serving as a complement to enhance the enjoyment of…
…other brand of products to complement its KDK line.

Examples of “compliment”

…majesty" he went on to compliment the debut further writing the…
…"I think it's a huge compliment for them to refer to…
…and novices with the highest compliment of all: an intelligence and…
…out of their way to compliment Simmons, and Simmons praised the…
…launched on social media to compliment the involved soldiers on their…
In February O'Neill returned the compliment and visited Lemass in Dublin.

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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