Compliment vs Complement: Definition, Usage & Example Sentences
Many students wonder about the difference between "compliment" and "complement." These two words sound alike but have different meanings and uses in English. Understanding the difference is important for school exams, essays, and clear communication in daily life or competitive exams.
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Compliment | To praise or express admiration | She gave me a kind compliment on my project. |
| Complement | Something that completes or goes well with | The red scarf complements her black dress. |
Difference Between Compliment and Complement
The main difference between compliment and complement lies in their meanings and use in sentences. "Compliment" is about expressing praise, while "complement" means completing or adding something to make it better. Knowing this helps you write and speak accurately in English.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Compliment | Complement |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Praise or admiration | Completes or enhances |
| Part of Speech | Noun and Verb | Noun and Verb |
| Main Use | Giving praise | Making something whole or better |
| Example | He complimented her on her speech. | Milk complements cookies. |
What is a Compliment?
A compliment is a polite expression of praise, admiration, or approval. In English, it is both a noun and a verb. You give someone a compliment when you say something nice about them. Compliments are common in daily conversations and formal writing.
Examples of Compliment
- As a noun: "That was a lovely compliment you gave me."
- As a verb: "She complimented her friend on her achievement."
- "He received many compliments for his singing."
What is a Complement?
A complement is something that completes or goes well with something else. In English, complement can be a noun or a verb. It is often used to talk about things that match, fill, or enhance each other. Complement also has special uses in grammar and mathematics.
Examples of Complement
- As a noun: "The salad is a perfect complement to the main dish."
- As a verb: "Blue walls complement white furniture."
- "His calm nature complemented her energetic personality."
Compliment vs. Complement: Key Differences
It is important to use the right word for the right meaning. Here are main differences:
- "Compliment" is always about praise.
- "Complement" is about completing or enhancing.
- Both words can be nouns or verbs, but their meanings do not overlap.
- In pronunciation, both sound the same. Writing is where you must be careful.
Complimentary vs. Complementary
These are adjectives formed from the two words above. "Complimentary" means showing praise or giving for free. "Complementary" means things that go well together or complete each other. Both are common in English exams and usage.
- "Complimentary tickets" = tickets given for free
- "Complementary colors" = colors that look good together
Memory Aids and Tips
- Remember, "i" in "compliment" stands for "I praise."
- "E" in "complement" is for "enhance or complete."
- If you can replace the word with "praise," use "compliment."
- If you mean "complete," use "complement."
Practice Questions: Compliment or Complement?
- Choose the correct word: "Your shoes really __________ your dress."
- Choose the correct word: "She gave me a nice __________."
- Choose the correct word: "The sauce is a good __________ to the pasta."
- Choose the correct word: "He __________ her appearance."
- Choose the correct word: "The flavors __________ each other perfectly."
Answers: 1) complement 2) compliment 3) complement 4) complimented 5) complement
Common Errors with Compliment and Complement
- Incorrect: "His tie was a nice compliment to his suit." (Should be: complement)
- Incorrect: "She complemented my efforts." (Should be: complimented)
- Incorrect: "These colors are so complimentary." (Should be: complementary)
Related Grammar Topics
- Homophones
- Common Noun and Proper Noun Exercises
- Parts of Speech
- Grammar for Class 3
- Idioms and Phrases
- Difference Between Was and Were
- Adjectives and Adverbs
- Introduction to Pronoun
- Homonyms
In summary, the difference between compliment and complement is essential for correct English usage. "Compliment" means to praise, while "complement" means to complete or enhance. At Vedantu, we focus on making such confusing words simple, helping students succeed in exams, writing, and daily communication.
FAQs on Difference Between Compliment and Complement
1. What is the main difference between compliment and complement?
The main difference lies in their meaning: a compliment is an expression of praise or admiration, while a complement refers to something that completes or enhances something else. For example, "Your presentation was excellent" is a compliment, and "The wine complements the cheese" shows complement in use.
2. What is an example of complement and compliment?
Here's an example to clarify the difference between compliment and complement. "I received many compliments on my new dress" shows compliment as praise. "The colors in the painting complement each other perfectly" demonstrates how complement shows something completing or enhancing another.
3. Should I use complement or compliment?
Use compliment when expressing praise or admiration; use complement when referring to something that completes or enhances something else. Consider the context carefully to avoid confusion. For instance, "I complimented her on her singing" and "The herbs complement the dish" demonstrate the correct usage.
4. What's the difference between complimentary and complementary?
Complimentary means giving praise or expressing admiration (similar to the noun 'compliment'). Complementary means completing or enhancing something (similar to the noun 'complement'). For example, "She received many complimentary remarks" and "These skills are complementary."
5. How do you use compliment in a sentence?
To use compliment correctly, remember it means to praise. Examples include: "I complimented her on her beautiful dress." or "He received a compliment on his cooking skills." The key is to use it when expressing admiration or praise.
6. How do you use complement in a sentence?
Use complement to describe something that completes or enhances something else. For example: "The red wine complements the rich flavor of the steak." or "His skills complement hers perfectly." Remember that 'complement' indicates a completing or enhancing relationship.
7. When do you use complement and compliment?
Use compliment to express praise (e.g., "I complimented her work"). Use complement to show something completes or enhances another (e.g., "The colors complement each other").
8. What is the difference between compliment and praise?
While often used interchangeably, a compliment is a specific type of praise, typically expressed verbally. Praise can be broader, encompassing actions and non-verbal expressions of appreciation. A compliment is always praise, but praise is not always a compliment.
9. Compliment vs complement pronunciation?
Compliment and complement are homophones; they sound exactly alike despite having different meanings and spellings. Understanding their distinct meanings is crucial for accurate communication. This difference often causes confusion for English language learners.
10. How to remember the difference between compliment and complement?
A helpful mnemonic is to associate the 'i' in compliment with "I praise," indicating it's about giving praise. The 'e' in complement can be linked to "enhance" or "complete," signifying its role in completing or enhancing something else.
11. Is there a difference between compliment and complement in Hindi?
Yes, the Hindi translations for compliment and complement differ significantly reflecting their distinct English meanings. While precise translations vary depending on context, compliment translates closer to 'प्रशंसा' (prashansa - praise), while complement translates closer to 'पूरक' (purak - supplementary) or 'पूरण' (puran - completion).
12. Are there technical uses of “complement” in mathematics or grammar?
Yes, in mathematics, a complement refers to what is needed to complete a whole set. In grammar, a complement completes the meaning of a verb or adjective. Understanding these technical uses requires careful attention to the specific context.
