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“Complementary” or “Complimentary”

Overview

complementary / complimentary 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

complementary: (adjective) of words or propositions so related that each is the negation of the other.

complimentary: (adjective) conveying or resembling a compliment. (adjective) costing nothing.

Pronunciation

complementary: k·AA·m·p·l·ah·m·EH·n·t·r·iy

complimentary: k·AA·m·p·l·ah·m·EH·n·t·er·iy

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Examples in Context

Examples of “complementary”

  • The construction of the complementary buildings and structures like administrative…
  • For most of history, the "complementary strategy" was the prevailing thought…
  • …training auxiliar field and other complementary works.
  • …lines are generally of a complementary color.
  • Complementary pairs
  • …of Iraq—granted refugee status or complementary protection to only 8.7 percent…
  • Complementary Latin group layout
  • …Record Changer and Record of Complementary Design", RCA Review, June 1949
  • …1998, Meri was given the complementary award and titled the Year's…
  • The semivowels and are in complementary distribution with ,

Examples of “complimentary”

  • …routes are not eligible for Complimentary Premier upgrades, although MileagePlus members…
  • Only beverages are complimentary in economy on North America
  • …discussion of resilience research and complimentary science found on the Research…
  • …these flights are eligible for complimentary premier upgrades.
  • Leonard Maltin was less complimentary, calling the film an "overheated…
  • …flights, Air France also serves complimentary champagne to passengers in all
  • Busch was complimentary of the finish, "I can't…
  • It gave away complimentary subscriptions among a selected group…
  • Meals are complimentary on all other international flights.
  • It also received complimentary comments from DJs.


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


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