Complement
/ˈkɒmplɪment/
Definitions
2 meaningsSomething that completes or makes something else better.
/ˈkɒmplɪment/
Something that completes or enhances something else.
The flowers were a lovely complement to the table setting.
💡 Simply: Imagine a puzzle. A complement is the last piece that makes the picture perfect! It adds to and improves something else, like how a delicious side dish complements the main course.
👶 For kids: Something that makes something else better!
More Examples
His skills complement her experience.
How It's Used
"The wine was a perfect complement to the meal."
"Her scarf was a stylish complement to her outfit."
To praise or express admiration for something.
/ˈkɒmplɪment/
To make something else seem better or more attractive.
I complemented her on her cooking.
💡 Simply: To complement someone is like giving them a super nice pat on the back for doing something great. You're saying, 'Wow, I really like that!'
👶 For kids: To say something nice to someone.
More Examples
The colors in the painting complement each other.
How It's Used
"He complemented her on her beautiful dress."
Idioms & expressions
a perfect complement
Something that perfectly enhances or completes something else.
"The red wine was a perfect complement to the rich chocolate cake."
From Latin *complēmentum, from complēre "to fill up, complete"
The word has maintained its core meanings throughout history, primarily relating to completion and enhancement.
Memory tip
Think of 'complete' – a complement makes something whole.