Confusing Words: Complement (verb) and Compliment (noun/verb)
Meaning:
Complement (a thing that contributes extra features to something else in such a way as to improve or emphasize its quality.)
Compliment (a polite expression of praise or admiration.)
Complement vs Compliment Clarification: Complement and compliment are homophones having same pronunciation but different meanings and functions.
Complement vs Compliment – What is the Difference, Definition & Meaning?
Homophones create confusion among writers and speakers. Even, I got stuck many times whenever I had to choose a particular word from a set of homophones. Today, I am coming up with two such words that sound same. This is the reason for the confusion between them. The case is complement vs. compliment.
As you can see that complement and compliment are just one-letter apart. These words are called homophones. It means that they are different in terms of meaning but are similar in terms of pronunciation.
Be careful with word choice. It is very important to keep complement and compliment apart as these words are not interchangeable. Let’s take a look upon their definitions.
Check Out: The Difference Between Amoral and Immoral.
Complement
Complement is used as a noun or a verb within a sentence. As a noun, it is used to refer something that contributes to make something else perfect or in a better condition.
As a verb, to complement means to enhance or to contribute something to something else to make its quality perfect.
1. Your tie will be a perfect complement to my outfit; so please, pass it to me. (noun)
2. Virtue is the perfect good, which is the complement of a happy life; the only immortal thing that belongs to mortality. (Lucius Annaeus Seneca) (noun)
3. The choice of books that you buy, complements your nature and personality. (verb)
4. $47M Fort Worth hotel will be built to complement New Arena. (Construction Equipment Guide) (verb)
Compliment
Compliment is used as a noun or a verb within a sentence. As a noun, it is used to refer a praising expression or a remark to show respect or admiration.
1. When I reached the hall, everyone gave me beautiful compliments that made my day.
2. There never was a woman who did not prefer an oblique compliment to a straight truth – if the latter were unflattering. (Minna Antrim)
As a verb, to compliment means to praise or to give a respectable remark to someone or something.
1. He wanted you to compliment him on his performance.
2. “Tonight I have to compliment the entire squad, as they played a fine second half and managed to come back despite going a goal down. (Euro Sport)
What Did You Learn?
Complement and compliment are homophones having same pronunciation but different meanings and functions.
Complement is something that refines or improves something else.
Compliment, on the other hand, is a remark or an expression of admiration.