The Difference Between “Compliment” and “Complement”
As a noun, compliment means “a polite expression of esteem, admiration, or affection.” When used as a verb, compliment means “to express praise, respect, or affection.”
As a noun, complement means “something that completes or makes better.” When used as a verb, complement means “to complete or add to something in a way that improves it.”
What’s the Difference Between “Compliment” and “Complement”?
It’s Friday night, and you have a brand-new outfit. You put it on, and not only do you look great, but you feel great. There’s just one thing missing. But, is it a compliment or complement?
That depends. If you think the outfit is perfect as is, and all it’s missing is praise from your friend, then what you want is a compliment like, “Wow, your outfit is spectacular!” But, if you think your outfit is missing something that can make it that much better, then what you want is a complement, like an accessory that completes the whole look.
Compliment and complement are homophones—words that are pronounced the same but have different meanings. That’s why many people use these two words incorrectly. But don’t worry. Below, we’ll go over the definitions of compliment and complement and teach you how to use them correctly.
When To Use “Compliment”
Compliment /ˈkɑːmplɪmənt/ can be used as a noun and a verb.
As a noun, compliment is a “polite comment that expresses praise, affection, or admiration to someone or something.” For instance, if you tell your dad that dinner was delicious, then what you said was a compliment.
Here are some more sentences with compliment being used as a noun:
So, when someone wants to pay you a compliment, that means they would like to praise you for something. Additionally, if someone aims to return the compliment, that means they intend to repay a favor or treat you as you have treated them (in a positive sense).
As a verb, compliment means “to praise someone or express affection or admiration.” In other words, when you give someone a compliment, you are complimenting them.
We should note that when something is complimentary, that means it’s free.
When To Use “Complement”
Complement /ˈkɑːmplɪment/ can also be used as a noun or a verb.
As a noun, complement is “something that completes or improves something else.” At some restaurants, the menu will tell you which wines serve as complements to a specific entrée.
As a verb, complement means “to add to, enhance, or improve something.”
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