adj
complementary
komp-lih-MEHNT-ree
adj
1
Combining well with something else so that together they form a complete or improved whole.
"Their skills are complementary — she's creative, and he's highly organized."
"The wine and cheese had wonderfully complementary flavors."
noun
1
An angle that, added to another, equals ninety degrees.
"A 30-degree angle and a 60-degree angle are complementary."
How to Use Complementary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFitting together well with something else to make a better whole.
Common mistake
Easily confused with "complimentary," which means either free of charge or expressing praise. "Complementary" is about things fitting together.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
complementary colors
complementary skills
complementary angle
Word Forms
more complementary comparative, complementaries plural, most complementary superlative
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Etymology
From complement plus -ary; a near-twin spelling of "complimentary," which instead relates to praise.