Compliment vs Complement: What is the difference?

Want to learn about compliment vs complement? Here you go! The main difference between the homophones “compliment” and “complement” is that a compliment refers to the expression of praise or admiring something or someone whereas a complement refers to something that completes or enhances something else, like making it whole or fulfilled. 

Hope that the difference between the commonly used terms of the English language “compliment” and “complement” is clear now. In this blog, you will learn more about these two words like when to use them and how to use them as a noun, and verbs in different contexts, and also, get examples and synonyms here. Read the complete article to get rid of your confusion between “compliment” and “complement” and use them correctly in your writing and speaking.

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What is compliment?

“Compliment” word comes from the Latin word “complementum”. It is a positive remark or an expression of praise, admiration, or respect. Moreover, it is a good way of acknowledging someone’s positive qualities or accomplishments. Compliments can be given as written notes, verbal statements, or gestures of appreciation. while receiving compliments from others, one will always feel good and confident.

Compliment as a verb

The word “compliment” acts as a verb in several real-time contexts. It can be used to express appreciation for an individual’s actions, appearance, or achievements. It also makes someone feel great about themselves and show empathy and appreciation towards others. 

For EXAMPLE, 

You might say,

• I complimented my colleague for his best work on the project 

The below statement conveys that you appreciate his hard work and multi-tasking skills.

Let me tell you one more example,

• Riya complimented her friend on her new haircut.

In the above statement, Riya complimented her friend on their new haircut as it looks really great on her. In this sentence, "complimented" is a verb that means to express praise or admiration for something or someone.

Compliment as a noun

As a noun, a compliment is an expression of praise, admiration, or respect. It is a kind or thoughtful remark that is meant to make someone feel great about themselves or their actions. Here are a few examples of how "compliment" can be used as a noun in sentences:

EXAMPLES

• I received many compliments on my outfit at the party. 

Here, “ Compliment” refers to the expressions of praise that the speaker received about their dress.

• She paid her a compliment on her cooking skills." 

In the above sentence, "a compliment" refers to the particular remark that the speaker made about the other person's cooking abilities.

Synonyms for compliment

Here are some synonyms for "compliment" that you could use in a bulleted list:

• Praise
• Kudos
• Accolade
• Tribute
• Encomium
• Homage
• Flattery
• Adulation
• Approbation
• Commendation
• Congratulation
• Applause

When to use the word “compliment”?

The word "compliment" can be used as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it refers to a comment or action that expresses praise, admiration, or respect. As a verb, it means to praise or express admiration or respect for someone or something.

Here are a few examples of when and how to use the word compliment in a sentence as a noun:

• He got a lot of compliments on his new accomplishment.
• She offers her a compliment by telling her how her cooking was.

And here are some examples of how to use the word compliment in a sentence as a verb:

• She complimented her on her dancing skills.
• He always knows how to compliment others and make them feel great about themselves.

In general, you can use the word "compliment" to express appreciation or admiration for someone or something. It is often used in social circumstances to show kindness and politeness.

What is complement?

The word “complement” (completion) refers to something that completes or enhances something else. For example, a person might say that a particular drink is a complement to dinner. Furthermore, a complement is something that adds to or improves upon something else.

Complement as a verb

As a verb, "Complement" means to complete or increase something in a way that enriches or improves it. Here are a few examples of how it is used as a verb in sentences:

EXAMPLES

• The multi-color flowers complement the green of the grass.
• The wine complements the taste of the dish perfectly.
• The new ceiling light complements the decor of the room.
• His sense of humor complements her serious personality.

In these examples, the verb "complement" is used to show that one thing enhances or enriches another thing. It can be used to describe how two things fit together or how one thing enhances the other.

Complement as a noun

As a noun, the word “complement” can refer to something that completes or brings perfection to something else. By considering a quick example, you could say that “the cherry on top of the cream is the complement to the wedding cake”. This means that the cherry adds more fun and sweetness to the whole cake. 

Get some EXAMPLES below:

• The ice cream was the perfect complement to the warm apple pie.
• The kitchen has a complement of pots, pans, and utensils.
• The new curtains are the perfect complement to the room's decor

Synonyms for complement

Find some best synonyms below for the word “complement”,

• Supplement
• Addition
• Augmentation
• Extension
• Subsidiary
• Appendage
• Annex
• Accessory
• Adjunct
• Add-on

When to use the word “complement”?

The word "complement" can be used as a noun or a verb. It has a few different meanings and can be used in a variety of contexts.

One way to use the word "complement" is as a noun meaning something that completes or enhances something else, making it better or more attractive. 

For EXAMPLE, you might say

• The flowers on the table are the perfect complement to the room's decor.
• The wine we had was the perfect complement to the meal.

The word complement in a sentence given above describes something that enhances or improves something else.

Another way to use the word "complement" is as a verb, meaning to complete or make something more attractive or effective. 

For EXAMPLE, you might say,

• The music complemented the atmosphere at the party 
• The new curtains really complement the color of the walls. 

The word complement in a sentence given above describes how something adds to or enhances something else.

Conclusion summary

Complement or compliment? Learn the difference quickly by checking the table presented below.

S.no	Compliment	Complement
1	To express praise or admiration for someone or something	To complete or enhance something, or to make it more effective or attractive
2	A friendly or flattering remark	Something that is an additional part of something else and that adds extra essence.
3	It refers to the comment or action that expresses praise, admiration, or respect	To be an appropriate or suitable addition to something
4	It is often used in social situations to show kindness and politeness.	It refers to something that completes or brings perfection to something else

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