complement
A thing that completes or brings to perfection something else. In grammar, it refers to a word or phrase that follows a verb and provides more information about the subject or object.
Examples
3 of 5The red tie is a great complement to your white shirt.
The red tie is a great addition to your white shirt.
This research provides a complement to previous studies on the topic.
This research provides an addition to previous studies on the topic.
Your sense of humor is a nice complement to his serious personality.
Your sense of humor is a nice balance to his serious personality.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the first two syllables: 'Comple-'. It sounds like 'Complete'. A complement completes the set.
Quick Quiz
The new curtains are a perfect ______ to the blue sofa.
Correct!
The correct answer is: complement
Examples
The red tie is a great complement to your white shirt.
everydayThe red tie is a great addition to your white shirt.
This research provides a complement to previous studies on the topic.
formalThis research provides an addition to previous studies on the topic.
Your sense of humor is a nice complement to his serious personality.
informalYour sense of humor is a nice balance to his serious personality.
In the sentence 'He is a pilot,' the word 'pilot' is a subject complement.
academicIn the sentence 'He is a pilot,' the word 'pilot' is a subject complement.
Our consulting services are a perfect complement to your marketing plan.
businessOur consulting services are a perfect addition to your marketing plan.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a perfect complement
something that goes perfectly with another thing
full complement
a complete number or amount of something
complement each other
to work well together as a pair
Often Confused With
A compliment is a polite expression of praise, while a complement is something that completes something else.
Usage Notes
Use this word when talking about two things that work well together to create a better whole. It is frequently used with the preposition 'to'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell the word as 'compliment'. Remember that the 'e' in complement relates to 'complete'.
Memory Tip
Look at the first two syllables: 'Comple-'. It sounds like 'Complete'. A complement completes the set.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'complementum', meaning 'that which fills up' or 'completes'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In English-speaking cultures, this word is very common in culinary contexts to describe how flavors in food and wine work together.
Quick Quiz
The new curtains are a perfect ______ to the blue sofa.
Correct!
The correct answer is: complement
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
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