noun

complement

KOMP-luh-muhnt

noun

Something that completes or goes well with something else.

"The wine was a perfect complement to the meal."

"Her calm personality is a good complement to his energetic style."

verb

To complete or improve something by adding a matching or contrasting quality.

"The rug's colours complement the curtains nicely."

"The dessert complements the spicy main course perfectly."

How to Use Complement

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething that completes or pairs well with something else.

Easily confused with

compliment

complemented past tense, complemented past tense, complements plural, complements singular, complements singular

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The wine was a perfect _____ to the meal.

From Latin complementum, "that which fills up or completes."

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