What Is The Difference Between Compliment And Complement With Examples
Many students wonder about the difference between "compliment" and "complement." These two words sound alike but have different meanings and uses in English. Understanding the difference is important for school exams, essays, and clear communication in daily life or competitive exams.
| Word | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Compliment | To praise or express admiration | She gave me a kind compliment on my project. |
| Complement | Something that completes or goes well with | The red scarf complements her black dress. |
Difference Between Compliment and Complement
The main difference between compliment and complement lies in their meanings and use in sentences. "Compliment" is about expressing praise, while "complement" means completing or adding something to make it better. Knowing this helps you write and speak accurately in English.
Comparison Table
| Aspect | Compliment | Complement |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Praise or admiration | Completes or enhances |
| Part of Speech | Noun and Verb | Noun and Verb |
| Main Use | Giving praise | Making something whole or better |
| Example | He complimented her on her speech. | Milk complements cookies. |
What is a Compliment?
A compliment is a polite expression of praise, admiration, or approval. In English, it is both a noun and a verb. You give someone a compliment when you say something nice about them. Compliments are common in daily conversations and formal writing.
Examples of Compliment
- As a noun: "That was a lovely compliment you gave me."
- As a verb: "She complimented her friend on her achievement."
- "He received many compliments for his singing."
What is a Complement?
A complement is something that completes or goes well with something else. In English, complement can be a noun or a verb. It is often used to talk about things that match, fill, or enhance each other. Complement also has special uses in grammar and mathematics.
Examples of Complement
- As a noun: "The salad is a perfect complement to the main dish."
- As a verb: "Blue walls complement white furniture."
- "His calm nature complemented her energetic personality."
Compliment vs. Complement: Key Differences
It is important to use the right word for the right meaning. Here are main differences:
- "Compliment" is always about praise.
- "Complement" is about completing or enhancing.
- Both words can be nouns or verbs, but their meanings do not overlap.
- In pronunciation, both sound the same. Writing is where you must be careful.
Complimentary vs. Complementary
These are adjectives formed from the two words above. "Complimentary" means showing praise or giving for free. "Complementary" means things that go well together or complete each other. Both are common in English exams and usage.
- "Complimentary tickets" = tickets given for free
- "Complementary colors" = colors that look good together
Memory Aids and Tips
- Remember, "i" in "compliment" stands for "I praise."
- "E" in "complement" is for "enhance or complete."
- If you can replace the word with "praise," use "compliment."
- If you mean "complete," use "complement."
Practice Questions: Compliment or Complement?
- Choose the correct word: "Your shoes really __________ your dress."
- Choose the correct word: "She gave me a nice __________."
- Choose the correct word: "The sauce is a good __________ to the pasta."
- Choose the correct word: "He __________ her appearance."
- Choose the correct word: "The flavors __________ each other perfectly."
Answers: 1) complement 2) compliment 3) complement 4) complimented 5) complement
Common Errors with Compliment and Complement
- Incorrect: "His tie was a nice compliment to his suit." (Should be: complement)
- Incorrect: "She complemented my efforts." (Should be: complimented)
- Incorrect: "These colors are so complimentary." (Should be: complementary)
Related Grammar Topics
- Homophones
- Common Noun and Proper Noun Exercises
- Parts of Speech
- Grammar for Class 3
- Idioms and Phrases
- Difference Between Was and Were
- Adjectives and Adverbs
- Introduction to Pronoun
- Homonyms
In summary, the difference between compliment and complement is essential for correct English usage. "Compliment" means to praise, while "complement" means to complete or enhance. At Vedantu, we focus on making such confusing words simple, helping students succeed in exams, writing, and daily communication.
FAQs on Difference Between Compliment And Complement In English
1. What is the difference between compliment and complement?
The main difference between compliment and complement is that compliment means praise, while complement means something that completes or enhances something else.
- Compliment = praise or admiration (e.g., “She gave me a compliment on my dress.”)
- Complement = something that completes or goes well with something (e.g., “This sauce complements the pasta.”)
2. What does compliment mean in English?
A compliment is a polite expression of praise, admiration, or approval.
- It can be a noun: “That was a nice compliment.”
- It can be a verb: “She complimented him on his presentation.”
3. What does complement mean in grammar?
In grammar, a complement is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a subject, verb, or object.
- Subject complement: “She is a teacher.” ("a teacher" completes the subject “She”)
- Object complement: “They elected him president.” ("president" completes the object “him”)
4. How do you use compliment in a sentence?
You use compliment in a sentence when expressing praise or admiration.
- Noun: “He received a compliment for his hard work.”
- Verb: “She complimented her friend on her singing.”
5. How do you use complement in a sentence?
You use complement in a sentence when something completes, improves, or goes well with something else.
- “The red wine complements the steak.”
- “Her skills complement his experience.”
6. Why are compliment and complement confused?
Compliment and complement are confused because they are homophones, meaning they sound the same but have different spellings and meanings.
- Both are pronounced /ˈkɒm.plɪ.ment/ (British) or /ˈkɑːm.plə.ment/ (American).
- Only the spelling changes the meaning: praise vs completion.
7. What is an easy way to remember the difference between compliment and complement?
An easy way to remember the difference is that compliment has an “i” like “I praise you,” while complement has an “e” like “complete.”
- Compliment → “I” → praise
- Complement → “complete” → makes whole
8. What is a subject complement in English grammar?
A subject complement is a word or phrase that follows a linking verb and describes or identifies the subject.
- It usually comes after verbs like be, seem, become, or appear.
- Example: “She is happy.” ("happy" describes the subject “She”)
9. What is an object complement in English grammar?
An object complement is a word or phrase that gives more information about the object of a sentence.
- It follows a direct object.
- Example: “They named the baby John.” ("John" renames the object “the baby”)
10. Can complement be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, complement can function as both a noun and a verb in English.
- Noun: “The scarf is a perfect complement to her dress.”
- Verb: “The design complements the overall theme.”
