Sound-alike words

Complement vs. Compliment

Complement (noun or verb) is about completing something or going well with it. Compliment (noun or verb) is about praise. Fresh basil complements tomatoes; a friend compliments your new haircut.

Word	Part of speech	Meaning
complement	verb	to complete something or make it better by adding what it lacks
complement	noun	something that completes or goes well with something else; also a full number or amount
compliment	noun	a remark that expresses praise or admiration
compliment	verb	to praise someone or say something kind about them

Complement

verb: to complete something or make it better by adding what it lacks

The soft lighting complements the warm wood floors.
Her calm style complements his energy, so they work well as a team.

noun: something that completes or goes well with something else; also a full number or amount

This sauce is a perfect complement to grilled chicken.
The ship sailed with its full complement of forty crew members.

Compliment

noun: a remark that expresses praise or admiration

Omar blushed when the coach paid him a compliment.
Thank you for the compliment on my garden.

verb: to praise someone or say something kind about them

Several guests complimented the cook on the soup.
Nina complimented her sister on a clear, funny speech.

How to remember the difference

A complement completes something: complement and complete share c-o-m-p-l-e. A compliment is praise, and I like compliments: compliment has the i.

Good to know

Complimentary has two meanings: praising, and free of charge (complimentary breakfast). Complementary means working well together, as in complementary colors. Grammar also uses complement for words that complete a phrase, like a subject complement.

Spot the mistake

My boss gave me a nice ~~complement~~ compliment on my report.
Correct: My boss gave me a nice compliment on my report.
That blue scarf really ~~compliments~~ complements your eyes.
Correct: That blue scarf really complements your eyes.

Check yourself

Pick the word that fits each sentence.

1. A green salad is a nice to the pasta.

2. Leo got a on his neat handwriting.