Complement vs. Compliment: Completing vs. Praising
The Distinction
- Complement = something that completes or goes well with another
- Compliment = an expression of praise or admiration
Complement: The Perfect Match
Use “complement” when things complete each other or work well together:
- “The wine complements the meal perfectly.” ✓
- “Her skills complement his weaknesses.” ✓
- “A full complement of staff” ✓ (complete set)
- “The colors complement each other.” ✓
Think: making something complete or whole.
Compliment: The Kind Words
Use “compliment” for praise or flattery:
- “She paid me a compliment on my work.” ✓
- “I complimented his presentation.” ✓
- “Take it as a compliment.” ✓
- “A complimentary review” ✓ (expressing praise)
The Free Stuff Note
“Complimentary” also means free:
- “Complimentary breakfast included” ✓
- “Complimentary parking” ✓
Why? Because free things were originally given as a gesture of goodwill—a compliment to the customer.
The Memory Trick
- Complement = complete (both have E)
- Compliment = admire (both have M in the middle)
Quick Test
Does it complete something or go well together? → complement Is it praise or something given for free? → compliment
“The sauce _____ the fish.” → Goes well with → complements
“She gave him a _____ on his tie.” → Praise → compliment
Common Contexts
| Complement (complete) | Compliment (praise) |
|---|---|
| Complementary colors | Pay a compliment |
| Full complement | Return the compliment |
| Complement each other | Complimentary ticket |
| Perfect complement | Fishing for compliments |
Complementary vs. Complimentary
These adjective forms cause extra confusion:
- Complementary = completing each other (“complementary skills”)
- Complimentary = expressing praise OR free (“complimentary remarks” or “complimentary coffee”)
Remember
- Complement = completes (makes whole)
- Compliment = admiration (or free stuff)