Complement is a bit abstract and has several meanings. The main idea is that a complement completes something. To complement means “to go together well” or “to make better” or “to make complete”:
Do you think this dress complements my hair color?
Yin complements Yang.
This wine will complement our meal.
As a noun, complement can either mean “that which completes,” or “the complete set”:
The complement of yin is yang.
We cannot play chess without the full complement of pieces.
The adjective complementary is often used to describe two things that complement each other:
In a mixed economy, socialized systems and private industry are complementary.
Compliment, in contrast, means “say or give something expressing admiration”:
To compliment people is an easy and cheap way to make friends.
The greatest compliment you can give me is your trust.
You have probably heard the adjective form of compliment—complimentary. Many businesses, especially hotels, offer free items and services, such as “complimentary breakfast”—meaning that it is a gift, an expression of their affection for their guests. Or complimentary can also simply mean “expressing a positive judgment of something or someone”:
History’s representation of Donald Trump may not be very complimentary.
More Examples of How to Use "Complement" in a Sentence
- Jimmy knowledge is excellent, and he has an impressive portfolio. He complements these traits by being a hard worker.
- The whole team complemented each other's talent and effort.
- Rose was the most popular girl in school, and she complemented her looks with an outstanding personality.
- The new clothes complemented her outfit perfectly, and she looked beautiful.
- Rhonda has a lot of energy and is a real extrovert—she complements my calm nature.
- The color green complements the color yellow.
- The restaurant was a bit formal, and the music certainly complemented the atmosphere.
- The food was delicious and the service was great, complementing each other perfectly.
More Examples of How to Use "Compliment" in a Sentence
- I complimented her on her cooking skills, but she was insulted by the praise.
- Compliment your boss on that great speech she gave at the conference and maybe you’ll get a promotion.
- Complimenting yourself is a powerful tool to build confidence, affirming the qualities you value most in yourself.
- My boyfriend routinely compliments me on my hair, which he didn’t like at first.
- Joan always compliments my outfits, which usually signals that she’ll be buying her own soon.
- It was a compliment, I swear!
- I received two compliments on my necklace while I was at work today.
- "I'm impressed by how much you've accomplished in such a short time," Emma said, complimenting me on my remodeling work.
- "Thanks for the compliment," I responded.
- The professor complimented the class on their excellent attendance and punctuality, but he sounded sarcastic.