Complement vs Compliment

Complement vs Compliment - Which one to use?

Do you pay someone a compliment? Or do you complement them on their new dress?
Answer to both questions: “Compliment”
Both words are “Homophones” * as they sound the same but have distinctly different meanings and spellings.

Complement:

Related to completion. Either one thing actively completes another thing, it completes it, enhances it, improves it, or makes it perfect.. Whether in its noun or verb form, it’s always about completion.

As a Noun “a complement”: 

Something that makes another thing “complete”

Ꙭ These red shoes are a great complement to my lace dress.

Ꙭ Mott’s apple juice is a good complement to this grilled cheese sandwich.

Ꙭ The assorted olives are complements to our cheese selection.

Ꙭ They make a great couple; their personalities are a perfect complement to one another.

Ꙭ Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennet are perfect complements in “Pride and Prejudice”

As a verb “to complement”: 

To make something complete or Perfect.

Ꙭ These shoes complement my entire look.

Ꙭ This buttery yellow paint will complement the white lace curtains.

Ꙭ I can’t get over how much David and Marie complement each other.

Ꙭ Do you think the white tulip complements this flower arrangement?

Ꙭ Those pants complement that shirt

As an adjective “complementary”:

 The manner in which one thing completes something

Ꙭ This workbook is quite complementary to the textbook.

Synonyms of complement:

Completion

Addition (when the amount added completes a whole)

A match - or a perfect match (when comparing two persons or things)

Enhancement (When something adds value to another thing)

Compliment:

All about “Praise”. To offer a compliment, to praise someone or to show admiration.

As a Noun “a compliment”: 

The act of giving praise.

Ꙭ He offered a kind compliment to the chef of the restaurant.

Ꙭ The fact that he likes my writing is a major compliment.

As a verb “to compliment”: 

To give praise.

Ꙭ He will always compliment her when she brings home a great report card.

Ꙭ Did he just compliment her handwriting?

Ꙭ Don’t just compliment me! Get in here and lend a hand!

Ꙭ A wise teacher compliments her students whenever they reach a new level of learning.

Ꙭ “Compliment people. Magnify their strengths, not their weaknesses.” —Joyce Meyer

As an adjective “complimentary”: 

showing praise. It also means “Free of charge”.

Ꙭ airlines offer complimentary sodas on flights. (free sodas)

Ꙭ The hotel offers complimentary breakfast. (free breakfast)

Ꙭ I’m suspicious of her overly complimentary remarks. (excessive praise)

Synonyms of compliment:

• Praise
• Flattery
• Admiration

* Homophones:

Are pairs of words that sound the same, but have distinctly different meanings and different spellings.

Citation:

1.Allen, S. (2016, May 5). How to Use “Complement.” Retrieved from https://www.grammarly.com/blog/complement-compliment/.
2.“Compliment” vs. “Complement”: How To Pick The Right Word. (2019, February 1). Retrieved from https://www.dictionary.com/e/compliment-vs-complement/.
3.Kittelstad, K. (n.d.). How to Use Complement and Compliment Correctly. Retrieved from https://grammar.yourdictionary.com/grammar/style-and-usage/how-to-use-complement-and-compliment-correctly.html.