Compliment vs. Complement: Don’t Get It Wrong!

Last updated on September 22, 2024 by Liam Daniel

Compliment and complement are two words that are often confused with each other. While they may sound similar, they have different meanings and uses. Understanding the difference between these two words can help you communicate more effectively and avoid embarrassing mistakes.

Compliment vs. Complement: Understanding the Differences 

Key Distinctions:

  • Compliment: A polite expression of praise or admiration.
    • Example: “She gave me a compliment on my new haircut.”
  • Complement: Something that completes or enhances something else.
    • Example: “These shoes complement your outfit perfectly.”
Compliment vs. Complement
Compliment vs. Complement – Created by 7ESL

Compliment vs. Complement: Definition and Usage

Compliment:

  • Meaning: A polite expression of praise or admiration.
  • Use: Used as both a noun and a verb to refer to something nice said about someone or something.
  • Examples:
    • Noun: “She gave me a wonderful compliment on my outfit.”
    • Verb: “He complimented her on her presentation.”
  • Explanation: A “compliment” is when someone says something nice, or offers praise.

Complement:

  • Meaning: Something that completes, enhances, or goes well with something else.
  • Use: Used as both a noun and a verb to refer to things that go well together or enhance one another.
  • Examples:
    • Noun: “The wine was a perfect complement to the meal.”
    • Verb: “The colors of the painting complement each other beautifully.”
  • Explanation: “Complement” refers to something that completes or enhances another thing, making it better or more complete.

Quick Tips:

  • Use “compliment” when referring to praise or admiration.
  • Use “complement” when referring to something that completes or goes well with something else.

Tips for the Difference

To differentiate these two words, let’s look at their spelling. One is spelled with an i, the other with an e. Remembering the right word is quite simple, the i has a strict diet and is more fit, so it gets more compliments than the e.

Compliment vs. Complement: Common Mistakes

Using “compliment” instead of “complement” for things that go well together:

  • Incorrect: “The sauce compliments the pasta nicely.”
  • Correct: “The sauce complements the pasta nicely.”
  • Explanation: “Complement” is correct here because the sauce enhances or completes the dish.

Using “complement” instead of “compliment” for praise:

  • Incorrect: “He gave me a nice complement on my work.”
  • Correct: “He gave me a nice compliment on my work.”
  • Explanation: “Compliment” is correct here because it refers to offering praise.

Related Confused Words

In the English language, similar-sounding words often lead to confusion. One pair in particular, “compliment” and “complementary”, has nuances that are important to distinguish.

Compliment vs. Complimentary

Compliment as a noun signifies an expression of praise or admiration. When used as a verb, it means to offer praise or express admiration. For example:

  • She received a compliment on her thorough report.
  • He complimented the team on their successful project launch.

Complimentary, on the other hand, is an adjective that pertains to giving praise or as a free bonus. It can be related to the act of giving compliments or refer to something that is provided at no charge, often as part of a service. Instances include:

  • The hotel provided complimentary breakfast to all its guests.
  • The reviews were complimentary about the newly released book.

Compliment vs. Admiration

One word that is often confused with “compliment” is “admiration.” While both words express positive sentiments, they are used in different ways.

“Compliment” is typically used to express praise or admiration for a specific quality or action. For example, you might compliment someone on their outfit or their cooking skills. On the other hand, “admiration” is a more general expression of respect or appreciation. You might admire someone for their hard work or their dedication to a cause.

To help you remember the difference, think of “compliment” as something you give to someone for a specific reason, while “admiration” is a more general feeling you have towards someone.

Compliment vs. Complement: Examples

Compliment Usage Examples

  • When used as a verb:
    • She complimented his work ethic, acknowledging his dedication.
    • He complimented her on her eloquent speech, expressing his admiration.
  • When used as a noun:
    • His kind words were a sincere compliment to her cooking skills.
    • The awards ceremony was full of compliments for the outstanding performers.

Complement Usage Examples

  • When used as a verb:
    • The scarf complements her outfit, adding just the right touch of color.
    • A well-chosen wine can complement a meal, enhancing its flavors.
  • When used as a noun:
    • The excellent service was the perfect complement to the wonderful dining experience.
    • Expertise in design is an essential complement to engineering in product development.

Real-word Exercises

Compliment or complement?

  1. Your shoes __________ your outfit very well. (Compliment/Complement)
  2. The teacher’s __________ about my essay boosted my confidence. (Compliment/Complement)
  3. A cool breeze would be a perfect __________ to the evening. (Compliment/Complement)
  4. The chef said that the herbs would __________ the flavors of the fish. (Compliment/Complement)
  5. I received many __________ on my presentation at the conference. (Compliment/Complement)
  6. His sense of humor is a great __________ to her serious nature. (Compliment/Complement)
  7. The colorful throw pillows __________ the neutral color of the couch. (Compliment/Complement)
  8. After the performance, she was showered with __________ from the audience. (Compliment/Complement)
  9. The subtle lighting in the restaurant __________ the ambiance. (Compliment/Complement)
  10. It’s always nice to __________ someone when they’ve made an effort to look good. (Compliment/Complement)

Answer 

  1. Complement
  2. Compliment
  3. Complement
  4. Complement
  5. Compliments
  6. Complement
  7. Complement
  8. Compliments
  9. Complements
  10. Compliment
Latest posts by Liam Daniel (see all)