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Understanding Compliment vs. Complement

The document discusses the difference between the words "compliment" and "complement". Compliment with an i refers to an expression of praise, while complement with an e refers to something that enhances or goes well with something else. Some examples are provided to illustrate the proper usage of each word.

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22 views2 pages

Understanding Compliment vs. Complement

The document discusses the difference between the words "compliment" and "complement". Compliment with an i refers to an expression of praise, while complement with an e refers to something that enhances or goes well with something else. Some examples are provided to illustrate the proper usage of each word.

Uploaded by

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Compliment is associated with praise.

Complement is associated with enhancement.

There is often confusion over the words complement and compliment.

Compliment
A compliment (with an i) is an expression of praise.

Examples:

 My compliments to the chef for such a wonderful starter.

(my praise to the chefs)

 When I said your eyes looked misty, I meant that as a compliment.

(I meant that as praise)

 Tell the cook of this restaurant with my compliments that these are the very worst
sandwiches in the whole world, and that, when I ask for a watercress sandwich, I do
not mean a loaf with a field in the middle of it. (Oscar Wilde)

(compliments can also mean good wishes, regards or respect)

Complement
A complement (with an e) is something that enhances something else or goes well with it.
(For example, cranberry sauce is a complement for turkey.) It is not common, but
complement can also mean composition or make-up. (When used, it is often seen in the term
full complement, meaning the whole number.)

 The cashew nuts were an excellent complement for the soup.

(cashew nuts went well with the soup)

 The drums were a perfect complement to their dancing style.

(drums enhanced their dancing style)

The Verbs To Compliment and To


Complement
The examples above all relate to nouns. However, both words exist as verbs too.
 I would like to compliment the pilot on such a smooth landing.

(pass praise to the pilot)

 The jade and silver cufflinks complement the green tie.

(go well with the green tie)

 He has worked hard for many years to break my record. I can only complement him
for such terrific dedication.

(should be compliment - i.e., offer praise to him)

Select the correct version:

I chose brown rice, because I thought its nuttier flavor and smaller grains would
complement / compliment the mushrooms better.

THE LETTERS CAN HELP YOU REMEMBER 

 The word compliment has an i in it – just like praise.


 The word complement has an e in it – just like enhancement.

COMPLEMENT ALSO MEANS COMPOSITION OR MAKE-UP 

 Do you have a full complement of men for your mission?

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