Compliment vs. Complement

Word Choice: Compliment vs. Complement

Tom Selleck has beautiful eyes. We know that’s a little weird for an opening sentence in a proofreading blogpost, but we needed to illustrate what a “compliment” is. And partly we’re hoping Tom Selleck googles himself and reads this. We love Tom Selleck.

Just look at that gorgeous specimen.

Anyway, back to work. Today we’re discussing the difference between “compliment” and “complement.” Given their similarity in spelling and pronunciation, it’s understandable that these terms are confused sometimes.

Yet each word has a distinct meaning, so it’s important to use them properly in your written work.

Compliment/Complimentary

As indicated above, a “compliment” is an expression of praise or approval:

When I met Tom Selleck, I complimented him on his bushy mustache.

He shampoos it every day. [Photo: Alan Light]
This sense of “compliment” can be used either as a noun when referring to the praise itself, or as a verb when referring to the act of expressing praise.

Meanwhile, the adjective “complimentary” has two meanings. One is to describe something or someone as having expressed admiration:

After we were done talking, Tom Selleck thanked me for being complimentary.

The other is to describe something as having been provided without charge or as a courtesy:

I offered Tom Selleck the complimentary chocolate from my hotel room, but he declined.

Complement/Complementary

The verb “complement” means to “add to” or “enhance” something by making it more complete or effective:

Find this useful?

Subscribe to our newsletter and get writing tips from our editors straight to your inbox.

Tom Selleck’s sunglasses perfectly complement his Hawaiian shirt.

Something which “complements” something else in this way can be described as a “complement.”

Sometimes “complement” is also used as a noun meaning “the number of something required for a full set”:

I wanted to go to Tom Selleck’s party, but he said they had a full complement of guests.

The adjective “complementary” has the sense of “adding to” or “enhancing” something, and is used when describing two things that are useful or attractive together:

The complementary combination of good looks and charisma made Tom Selleck one of the most popular TV actors of the 1980s.

Also, he was in Three Men and a Baby. [Photo: Georges Biard]

Compliment or Complement?

Whether or not you’re intending to praise Tom Selleck, it’s essential to know the difference between “compliment” and “complement.” Remember:

Compliment = Praise

Complement = Add to/make complete

The exception here is when “complimentary” means “free” or “as a courtesy,” as this isn’t directly related to praise. But as long as you can remember this general rule, you should be able to avoid confusions in your written work.

Upload a document

More Writing Tips?

6th August 2024

Free Email Newsletter Template

Promoting a brand means sharing valuable insights to connect more deeply with your audience, and...

24th July 2024

How to Write a Nonprofit Grant Proposal

If you’re seeking funding to support your charitable endeavors as a nonprofit organization, you’ll need...

14th May 2024

How to Use Infographics to Boost Your Presentation

Is your content getting noticed? Capturing and maintaining an audience’s attention is a challenge when...

10th May 2024

Why Interactive PDFs Are Better for Engagement

Are you looking to enhance engagement and captivate your audience through your professional documents? Interactive...

7th May 2024

Seven Key Strategies for Voice Search Optimization

Voice search optimization is rapidly shaping the digital landscape, requiring content professionals to adapt their...

Exit mobile version