Complementary
/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/
Definitions
Adding to something in a way that improves or enhances it.
/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/
Serving to complete or enhance something else.
Her skills are complementary to his, making them an excellent team.
💡 Simply: Like two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly together, complementary things make each other better. For example, peanut butter and jelly are complementary – they taste great together!
👶 For kids: Two things that go well together like peanut butter and jelly!
More Examples
The colors in the painting are beautifully complementary.
How It's Used
"The scarf and dress were complementary colours."
"These therapies are complementary to each other."
From Middle French *complémentaire, from Latin complēre "to fill up, complete".
The word has been used in a similar sense since the 17th century, initially in mathematical contexts.
Memory tip
Think 'complete' – complementary things complete or enhance each other.