Complement vs. Compliment: What's the Difference?
Distinguish complement, which completes or pairs well, from compliment, which expresses praise, using examples, rules, a quiz, and FAQs.
Complement means something that completes, balances, or works well with something else. Compliment means praise or an admiring remark. Both can be nouns or verbs: a sauce complements a meal, while a guest compliments the chef.
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A product description says a new lamp “compliments modern interiors.” Unless the lamp is literally praising the room, the intended verb is complements: its design works well with the interior.
Complement vs. Compliment at a glance
| Word | Typical role | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| complement | Noun or verb | something that completes, balances, or pairs well; to complete | The warm lighting complements the dark wood. |
| compliment | Noun or verb | an expression of praise; to praise | The client complimented the team on its clear presentation. |
How to use complement
Complement describes completion or a harmonious match. A team may have a full complement of staff, two skills may complement each other, and grammar uses complement for a word or phrase that completes an expression.
The warm lighting complements the dark wood.
How to use compliment
Compliment is connected with admiration, courtesy, or approval. You can give, receive, or pay a compliment, and you can compliment a person on a quality, achievement, or choice.
The client complimented the team on its clear presentation.
Rules that make the choice easier
Use complement for a good match
If one feature improves, balances, or completes another, use complement: colors complement each other and evidence complements an argument.
Use compliment for praise
If someone says something approving or flattering, use compliment. The usual pattern is compliment someone on something.
Check the nearby noun
Words such as design, flavor, skill, and set often point to complement; praise, remark, and gracious often point to compliment.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Incorrect: The blue scarf compliments the coat. Correct: The scarf complements the coat.
- Incorrect: She gave me a lovely complement. Correct: She gave me a lovely compliment.
- Do not assume the noun and verb use different spellings; meaning determines the word in both roles.
Quick practice
1. The citrus sauce ___ the rich dessert.
Answer: complements
2. He paid the designer a sincere ___.
Answer: compliment
3. The two research methods ___ each other.
Answer: complement
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between complement and compliment?
Complement concerns completion or a good match; compliment concerns praise.
Is it complements of the chef or compliments of the chef?
Use compliments of the chef for something provided as a courtesy or gift.
Can complement be a verb?
Yes. To complement something is to complete it or work well with it.
How do I remember compliment?
Connect the i in compliment with “I admire” or “I like it,” both expressions of praise.