It is commonly used when two things go well together or bring out the best in each other.

Example for daily usage

• The simple design complements the overall look of the room.
• Her skills complement his, making them a strong team.

Origin and history

The word complement comes from the Latin complementum, meaning "something that fills up or completes," derived from complere, which means "to fill up."

It entered the English language in the 14th century and has been used in various contexts, including language, mathematics, and everyday communication.

Over time, the word has retained its core meaning of completing or enhancing something, especially when two elements work well together.

Cultural significance and modern usage

Today, complement is widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It appears in design, fashion, teamwork, and communication to describe how different elements improve each other.

READ MORE: Word of the Day, April 07: 'Shenanigans'

It is also commonly discussed alongside the word compliment, which has a completely different meaning. While complement is about completing or enhancing, compliment refers to praise or admiration.

Understanding this distinction is important for students, as the two words are often confused despite their different meanings.

Interesting facts

Complement and compliment are homophones, meaning they sound the same but have different meanings.

In grammar, a complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a sentence.

The word is also used in mathematics to describe values that complete a whole.

Examples from Literature

• "Her dress was simple, yet it seemed to complement her natural elegance perfectly." - Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen
• "The quiet surroundings served to complement the reflective mood of the moment." - To the Lighthouse by Virginia Woolf

Synonyms

• Complete
• Enhance
• Balance
• Match
• Supplement

Antonyms

• Clash
• Contradict
• Detract
• Disrupt
• Undermine

READ MORE: Word of the Day