In this lesson, we’ll discover the differences between “complement” and “compliment,” two words that sound similar but have different meanings related to completing a set and expressing praise.
Complement:
Definition (Noun):
Complement refers to something that completes or makes perfect a set or group.
Examples:
”The new furniture was a perfect complement to the style of the room, enhancing its overall appearance.”
“A complement of four people would now bring the staff to nine, filling the remaining positions and balancing the workload.”
Definition (Verb):
Complement means to enhance or go well with something.
Example:
“The four new people would complement the rest of the staff, bringing in diverse skills that enhance the team’s overall performance.”
Compliment:
Definition (Noun):
Compliment is an expression of courtesy, praise, or admiration.
Example:
“The supervisor gave the staff a compliment on its work, recognizing their dedication and excellent results.”
Definition (Verb):
Compliment means to express praise or admiration.
Example:
“The supervisor regularly compliments the staff on its work, boosting morale and encouraging continued effort.”
Comparison:
- Complement:
- As a noun, it refers to something that completes a set.
- As a verb, it means to go well with or enhance something.
- Example (Noun): “The new software is a perfect complement to our existing tools.”
- Example (Verb): “Her skills complement the team’s strengths perfectly.”
- Compliment:
- As a noun, it refers to an expression of praise or admiration.
- As a verb, it means to express praise or admiration.
- Example (Noun): “She received a compliment for her insightful presentation.”
- Example (Verb): “He often compliments his colleagues on their hard work.”
Understanding the difference between “complement” and “compliment” enhances the precision of your language. “Complement” is about completing or enhancing something, while “compliment” is about expressing praise or admiration. Using these terms correctly ensures clear and effective communication in both written and spoken contexts.
