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Compliment vs. Complement: What Is the Difference?
Compliment and complement are among the most commonly confused words in English. They're homophones, words that sound identical when spoken but have completely different meanings and uses. Mixing them up is an easy mistake to make, but once you understand the distinction, it's one you'll never forget.
This guide explains the difference between compliment and complement, gives clear examples for each, and answers the most frequently asked questions about how to use them correctly.
What Does Compliment Mean?
Compliment with the letter "i" is an expression of praise, admiration, or appreciation. If you receive a compliment, someone is saying something kind or positive about you or your work. The word can be used as both a noun and a verb.
As a noun: "The professor received a compliment from her department chair after her paper was published."
As a verb: "She complimented her colleague on finishing the research ahead of schedule."
A helpful memory trick: compliment contains the letter "i," and I love receiving a compliment.
What Does Complement Mean?
Complement with the letter "e" means something that completes, enhances, or pairs well with something else. When two things complement each other, they work together to form a stronger or more complete whole. Like compliment, it can be used as both a noun and a verb.
As a noun: "The warm lighting was a perfect complement to the room's neutral color palette."
As a verb: "Her research findings complemented the conclusions drawn in the earlier study."
A helpful memory trick: complement contains the word "complete," and a complement completes something.
Compliment vs. Complement: A Quick Summary
You might compliment your editor on their ability to complement your manuscript with thorough, precise edits. In that sentence, compliment expresses praise and complement describes the way the edits enhance the original writing, showing two different words doing two different jobs correctly side by side.
Here's a simple side by side reference:
- Compliment (with an "i"): An expression of praise or admiration. "I want to compliment you on your excellent work."
- Complement (with an "e"): Something that completes or enhances. "The new data complement the findings from the original study."
Frequently Asked Questions: Compliment vs. Complement
The following examples use real-world scenarios from construction, electrical work, academic research, and book authorship to show how each word is used correctly in practice.
Q: A construction foreman told his crew their framing work was outstanding. Did he pay them a compliment or a complement?
He paid them a compliment. He expressed praise and appreciation for their work. If the framing work happened to enhance or complete the structural integrity of the building, you could say the framing complemented the foundation, but the foreman's words of praise are a compliment.
Q: An electrician installs recessed lighting that perfectly enhances a room's modern design. Does the lighting compliment or complement the design?
The lighting complements the design. It completes and enhances the aesthetic, and it doesn't express praise. A homeowner who tells the electrician the installation looks great is paying the electrician a compliment.
Q: An academic researcher's new findings align perfectly with and strengthen an earlier study. Do the new findings compliment or complement the earlier research?
The new findings complement the earlier research. They add to and complete the existing body of knowledge. If a peer reviewer tells the researcher the paper is excellent, that's a compliment.
Q: A book author's editor told her the revised opening chapter was the strongest writing she had ever submitted. Was that a compliment or a complement?
That was a compliment, an expression of admiration for the author's writing. If the revised opening chapter also happens to strengthen and complete the story's arc, you could say the chapter complements the rest of the book.
Q: Is complimentary the same as complementary?
Complimentary (with an "i") means either expressing praise or provided free of charge, as in a complimentary review or a complimentary breakfast. Complementary (with an "e") means completing or enhancing something else, as in complementary colors or complementary skills on a team. They're spelled and used differently, though they're often confused for the same reasons as compliment and complement.
If you are not sure whether you have used compliment and complement — or any other commonly confused words — correctly in your writing, the professional editors at Editor World: Editing Services | Proofreading Services can help. Our native English-speaking editors review every word of your document and ensure your writing is clear, accurate, and professional.