When to Use Complement vs Compliment: Understanding the Difference

• “Complement” is used when referring to something that completes or goes well with another.
• “Compliment” relates to offering praise or expressing admiration.
• Context is critically important in deciding whether to use “complimentary” or “complementary.”

Navigating the use of “complimentary” versus “complementary” can also pose challenges. “Complimentary” is the adjective form of “compliment” and is used to describe something given freely, like a hotel providing complimentary breakfast. “Complementary,” the adjective form of “complement,” describes items or concepts that work well together, such as wine being complementary to a certain dish. Recognizing the context and intended meaning is key to choosing the correct word between “compliment” and “complement.

“Compliment” and “Complement”: What’s the Difference?

“Compliment” relates to expressions of praise, approval, or admiration. This term often reflects a positive sentiment towards a person or their achievements.

“Complement,” on the other hand, refers to something that completes or goes well with something else, enhancing its qualities.

Here are two tables summarizing the distinctions:

Usage of “Compliment”

Function	Example
As a noun	She received a compliment on her eloquent speech.
As a verb	He decided to compliment her on her innovative ideas.

Usage of “Complement”

Function	Example
As a noun	The wine was a perfect complement to the cheese platter.
As a verb	The curtains complement the color scheme of the room.

To further illustrate:

• Compliment in a sentence:

  • As a noun: His supervisor offered boldcompliments on the successful project.
  • As a verb: She complimented the chef on the exquisite meal.

• Complement in a sentence:

  • As a noun: The smartphone case is an ideal complement to the new device.
  • As a verb: These shoes perfectly complement the dress.

Determining When to Use “Compliment” vs “Complement”

“Compliment” generally pertains to praise or admiration. When someone commends another on a job well done or expresses approval, they are giving a compliment.

“Complement,” however, is about completeness or enhancement. An item or quality that goes well with another, enhancing its qualities or making it whole, is said to complement it.

Usage of “Compliment”

As a Noun	As a Verb
An expression of praise: “She received compliments on her presentation.”	To praise or admire: “He complimented her on her eloquent speech.”

Usage of “Complement”

As a Noun	As a Verb
Something that completes: “The wine is the perfect complement to the cheese platter.”	To complete or enhance: “The scarf complements her outfit beautifully.”

When remembering the difference, consider these points:

• A compliment can be paid to someone.
• A complement makes something else complete.

Navigating “Complimentary” vs “Complementary”

Complimentary implies the act of expressing praise or providing something at no cost. One can give a complimentary remark or receive a complimentary item.

Complementary refers to something that completes or goes well with something else. Items or actions are complementary when they enhance each other’s qualities.

Below are tables summarizing the use of both words:

Complimentary Usage

Context	Example
As an adjective	The complimentary tickets were a bonus for early registrants.
Expressing praise	She received complimentary remarks about her presentation.

Complementary Usage

Context	Example
As an adjective	Their skills are complementary to each other in the team.
Enhancing quality	The wine and cheese were complementary flavors.

• Complimentary:

  • Often relates to politeness or gifts.
  • Can be used when something is free of charge.
  • May describe flattering comments.

• Complementary:

  • Connects items that enhance or perfect each other.
  • Used in discussions about compatible pairs.
  • Does not imply anything is free.

Tracing the History of “Compliment” and “Complement”

“Compliment” made its way into English through the Spanish cumplimiento in the mid-1600s. It reflects acts of politeness or expressions of praise. Over time, its usage has been consistent with the gesture of acknowledging something positively.

Century	Usage of “Compliment”
17th	Associated with acts of courtesy and praise
18th – Now	Used to express admiration or congratulate

Century	Usage of “Complement”
14th	Contexts of completion and enhancement
18th – Now	Refers broadly to things that go well together

The historical journey of these words:

• “Compliment”

  • Originated from social etiquette
  • Evolved to mean praise or admiration

• “Complement”

  • Stemmed from the concept of completion
  • Evolved to signify harmony or enhancement

Examples of Sentences Featuring “Compliment”

Compliment as a Noun	Compliment as a Verb
She received a compliment on her eloquent speech.	He complimented her on her new hairstyle.
His boss gave him a compliment for his punctuality.	She complimented the chef on the exquisite meal.
The teacher’s compliment made the student’s day.	They complimented the team on a job well done.

In these examples, “compliment” conveys positive acknowledgment. For more specificity:

• As a noun:

  • Receiving a compliment on work performance can be quite motivating.
  • A gracious compliment can often serve as a social icebreaker.

• As a verb:

  • To compliment someone on their insights reflects both respect and agreement.
  • It is a kind gesture to compliment a friend on their achievements.

Examples of Sentences Demonstrating “Complement”

Sentence Examples:

• The gravy is an excellent complement to the mashed potatoes, making the dish more flavorful.
• Her skills as an editor complement her writing, resulting in a well-rounded publication.

Sentences with Noun Usage

Subject	Verb	Complement (Noun)	Complete Sentence
The red curtains	are a	complement to	The red curtains are a complement to the grey living room.
His sense of humor	is a	complement to	His sense of humor is a complement to his serious persona.

Sentences with Verb Usage

Subject	Verb (Complement)	Object	Complete Sentence
The scarf	complements	her blue eyes	The scarf complements her blue eyes beautifully.
This wine	complements	the savory meal	This wine complements the savory meal perfectly.

List of Benefits Showing Complementary Elements:

• Color schemes: A warm color can complement cooler shades to generate visual balance.
• Music in movies: An orchestral score can complement a film’s emotional tone.
• Gardening: Certain flowers complement each other by attracting beneficial insects.

Synonyms for “Compliment”

Positive Words as Synonyms

• Praise: To express approval or admiration for someone or something.
• Admiration: The feeling of admiring someone or something.
• Approval: A favorable opinion about something or someone.
• Kudos: Praise given for achievement.
• Accolade: An award or privilege granted as a special acknowledgment of merit.

Expressions of Compliment

Table 1: Common expressions used as compliments

Expression	Use Case
“Well done”	Acknowledging someone’s accomplishment
“Good job”	Praising someone’s efforts
“That’s impressive”	Showing admiration for an achievement or quality
“You look wonderful”	Complimenting someone’s appearance
“I’m proud of you”	Expressing personal admiration for someone’s actions

These expressions serve the same function as a compliment, highlighting positive attributes, efforts, or achievements.

Table 2: Formal synonyms for “compliment”

Synonym	Context
“Encomium”	A formal expression of high praise
“Eulogy”	A spoken or written tribute, often for someone deceased
“Panegyric”	A public speech or text in praise of someone or something
“Laudation”	An act of praising
“Honorable Mention”	Special recognition for an achievement

Colloquial Terms as Synonyms

• Props: Slang for “proper respect” or recognition.
• Shout-out: A public expression of thanks or acknowledgment.
• “Big up”: Caribbean English slang for giving respect or praise.
• Salute: Recognizing or honoring someone.

Synonyms for “Complement”

Below are synonyms for “complement” that can be used to convey this idea of completion or enhancement in different contexts.

Synonyms That Imply Enhancement or Completion

Synonyms	Contexts in which they are often used
Enhancement	When something improves the quality or function of something else
Accessory	Often used for items that add to or complete an outfit
Counterpart	Refers to something corresponding to another in function or nature
Accoutrement	Equipments or accessories associated with a particular activity

Synonyms That Emphasize Compatibility or Coexistence

Synonyms	Contexts in which they are often used
Match	Refers to something that corresponds well with another
Pairing	Often used in culinary or fashion contexts to indicate a good combination
Set	Implies a group of things made to be used together
Corollary	Indicates a proposition that follows from one already proven

In a sentence, these synonyms could be applied as follows:

• The soft scarf is the perfect enhancement to her autumn wardrobe.
• A leather belt is a classic accessory for a pair of jeans.
• They are each other’s counterpart; one’s strengths are the other’s weaknesses.
• The gourmet cheese was a suitable pairing with the fine wine.

Phrases Incorporating “Compliment”

Common Phrases:

• “Pay a compliment”: To give someone praise.
• “Backhanded compliment”: A statement that seems like a compliment but could also be taken as an insult.
• “Fish for compliments”: To try to get someone to say nice things about you.

Usage in Praise:

Situation	Phrase with “Compliment”
Formal Appreciation	“I must compliment you on your excellent presentation.”
Responding to Kindness	“Thank you for the kind words; your compliments are always appreciated.”

Verbs often used with “compliment”:

• Give
• Offer
• Receive
• Accept

Actions Requiring a Compliment:

• Remarkable achievement
• Notable kindness
• Exceptional attire
• Impressive skill or talent

Unveiling the Origin of “Compliment”

The word “compliment” conveys an expression of praise, admiration, or congratulation. It is derived from the Italian “complimento”, which in turn stems from the Spanish “cumplimiento”, a term signifying the fulfillment of the requirements of courtesy. These origins date back to the late 16th to early 17th centuries.

Language	Term	Meaning
Italian	Complimento	A courteous greeting or wish
Spanish	Cumplimiento	Fulfillment of courtesy

The journey of “compliment” from Italian and Spanish to the English language involves a refinement in understanding. It is no longer just about courtesy but has broadened to entail all forms of admiration and respect.

Early uses of “compliment” in English literature highlight these polite expressions as part of sophisticated social conduct. The term was especially prevalent in contexts like the court or among the nobility, where etiquette ruled interactions.

Century	Usage Context	Significance
17th Century	Courtly Etiquette	Polite Social Conduct
17th Century	Noble Interaction	Expression of Praise

By the 17th century, “compliment” was firmly embedded in the English language with its current meaning. It diverged from the earlier term “complement”, which signified that something completes another thing or brings it to perfection.

• Early 17th Century: “compliment” used among nobility to express respect.
• Modern Usage: “compliment” applies to both formal and casual contexts to convey praise.

Sources

Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of compliment.” Online Etymology Dictionary.

Harper, Douglas. “Etymology of complement.” Online Etymology Dictionary.

“Compliment.” Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.