complement

1 of 2

noun

com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-mənt How to pronounce complement (audio)

: something that fills up, completes, or makes better or perfect

The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit.

b(1)

: the full quantity, number, or assortment needed or included

… the usual complement of eyes and ears …

Francis Parkman

… after several more minutes of waiting, the full complement of runners was sent off by the starter's pistol.

Craig Neff

(2)

: the whole force or personnel of a ship

: one of two mutually completing parts : counterpart

She is a kind of complement to me, and we get on famously.

Flannery O'Connor

: an added word or expression by which a predication is made complete (such as president in "they elected him president" and beautiful in "he thought her beautiful")

: the angle or arc that when added to a given angle or arc equals a right angle in measure

: the set of all elements that do not belong to a given set and are contained in a particular mathematical set containing the given set

: a number that when added to a certain number of the same sign yields a number with the digit 1 as the significant digit farthest to the left and the digit 0 in every other digit place

—used especially in assembly language programming

: the musical interval required with a given interval to complete the octave

: the thermolabile group of proteins in normal blood serum and plasma that in combination with antibodies causes the destruction especially of particulate antigens (such as bacteria and foreign blood corpuscles)

complement

2 of 2

verb

com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-ˌment How to pronounce complement (audio)

complemented; complementing; complements

transitive verb

: to complete or enhance by providing something additional : to be complementary to

The illustrations complement the text.

obsolete : compliment

intransitive verb

obsolete : to exchange formal courtesies

Did you know?

Is it complement or compliment?

Today there is no overlap between the meanings of complement and compliment, as either nouns or verbs, but their similar spellings and pronunciations make them prime candidates for confusion. Despite the difference in their meanings, both complement and compliment have roots in the Latin word complēre which means “to complete.” Complement remains true to that origin in its spelling and in its meanings that have to do with completing or completion. Keep that connection in mind and there should be no question as to whether complement or compliment is the correct word to use in a given context.

Example Sentences

Noun With the loss of just one American and four Japanese carriers, including their complements of aircraft and many of their superbly trained fliers … , Midway … put the Japanese navy at a disadvantage from which it never recovered.

David M. Kennedy, Atlantic, March 1999 Exact observation of the outer world was the complement to a literal reading of Scripture.

Garry Wills, Under God, 1990 The usual complement of Kremlin guards was about, one company of infantry with light arms.

Tom Clancy, Red Storm Rising, 1986 His faults are accepted as the necessary complement to his merits.

W. Somerset Maugham, Moon and Sixpence, 1919 The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit. a full complement of farm animals her usual complement of attendants a ship's complement of officers “President” in “they elected her president” and “to work” in “he wants to work” are different kinds of complements. Verb Carrots often work even better than sticks, so I propose a skinny subsidy to complement the fat tax.

Jonathan Rauch, Atlantic, December 2002 The love of Bottom's bottomless vision at least complements, if it does not transcend, the rational love of Theseus.

Frank Kermode, Shakespeare's Language, 2000 … his ice-blue Appalachian eyes glint through horn-rimmed glasses, which complement his salt-and-pepper beard.

Henry Louis Gates, Jr., New Yorker, 19 June 1995 … lively photographs, illustrations and cartoons designed to complement the meanings of the poems and give a leg-up to the imagination.

Carol Ann Duffy, Times Literary Supplement, 4-10 Dec. 1987 The shirt complements the suit nicely. a delicious dinner complemented by a splendid dessert The soup and salad complement each other well. See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Many of them produce hearty seasonal varieties as a perfect complement to the crisp mountain air.

Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2022 Birmingham Museum of Art staff say the evening of art and discussion is especially fitting this year as a complement to the late minister’s 100th birthday.

al, 2 Aug. 2022 Think of it as a complement to our flagship CEO Daily newsletter, but designed to give chief talent and chief people officers, and all those who aspire to those roles, news, analysis, and tips to help them do their jobs better.

Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 28 July 2022 For his part, Yurtseven has been emphatic about proving his value as a complement to starting center Bam Adebayo.

Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2022 Association programs work as a complement to in-house and other industry training.

Giles Sutton, Forbes, 19 July 2022 Neither quarterback has had a full complement of playmakers this week, with running back Christian McCaffrey on a play limit and receivers Robbie Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr. limited as well.

Tim Bielik, cleveland, 19 Aug. 2022 Even the base Palisade SE includes the 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats, a new 4G WiFi hotspot, and a full complement of driver-assist tech.

Karl Brauer, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 Why has Pep Guardiola decided that Manchester City does not need a full complement of substitutes?

New York Times, 5 Aug. 2022

Verb

These sources can complement the analysis of administrative documents and survivor testimonies and thus enrich our understanding of Nazi persecution.

Wolf Gruner, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2022 To create a similar look, paint the baseboards to complement your cabinets or vanity and carry the color throughout the room.

Marisa Donnelly, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2022 The pairing is excellent because the scrubbing bubbles, minerality, and fresh citrus of the Champagne both complement the different bites and cleanse the palate for the next taste.

Liz Thach, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Everywhere star's tips were manually dipped in gold to complement her jaw-dropping Sergio Hudson peach gown and glistening Chopard jewels.

Jennet Jusu, Allure, 22 Mar. 2022 Choose colors that complement your house exterior or contrast the color of your front door.

Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2022 Discover simple decorating ideas for every space, including eye-catching ways to style your mantel, Christmas staircase decorations that'll complement your interior and holiday door decor that'll wow your guests.

Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 19 Aug. 2022 This cream bronzer by Rihanna gets top marks for its incredibly lightweight formula that delivers the perfect second-skin warmth and comes in various shades that complement all complexions.

Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 19 Aug. 2022 View the full menu of items at carversutah.com/menu, and check the styles that complement any steak.

The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 Aug. 2022 See More

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, "means of completing, consummation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, "carrying out" (also continental Middle French), borrowed from Latin complēmentum "something that fills out or completes," from complēre "to fill, make up, carry to completion" + -mentum -ment — more at complete entry 1

Note: See note at compliment entry 1.

Verb

derivative of complement entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1602, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Kids Definition

complement 1 of 2

noun

com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-mənt How to pronounce complement (audio)

: something that makes whole or better

The cool salad was the perfect complement to the spicy dish.

: the number or quantity of something that is needed or used

the ship's complement of crew

complement

2 of 2

verb

com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-ˌment How to pronounce complement (audio)

complemented; complementing

: to serve as something necessary to make whole or better

Find a hat that complements your costume.

Medical Definition

complement

noun

com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-mənt How to pronounce complement (audio)

: a group or set (as of chromosomes or DNA) that is typical of the complete organism or one of its parts see chromosome complement

: a complementary color

: the thermolabile group of proteins in normal blood serum and plasma that in combination with antibodies causes the destruction especially of particulate antigens (as bacteria and foreign blood corpuscles)

单词	complement
释义	complement 1 of 2 noun com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-mənt 1 a : something that fills up, completes, or makes better or perfect The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit. b(1) : the full quantity, number, or assortment needed or included … the usual complement of eyes and ears … Francis Parkman … after several more minutes of waiting, the full complement of runners was sent off by the starter's pistol. Craig Neff (2) : the whole force or personnel of a ship c : one of two mutually completing parts : counterpart She is a kind of complement to me, and we get on famously. Flannery O'Connor 2 : an added word or expression by which a predication is made complete (such as president in "they elected him president" and beautiful in "he thought her beautiful") 3 a : the angle or arc that when added to a given angle or arc equals a right angle in measure b : the set of all elements that do not belong to a given set and are contained in a particular mathematical set containing the given set c : a number that when added to a certain number of the same sign yields a number with the digit 1 as the significant digit farthest to the left and the digit 0 in every other digit place —used especially in assembly language programming 4 : the musical interval required with a given interval to complete the octave 5 : the thermolabile group of proteins in normal blood serum and plasma that in combination with antibodies causes the destruction especially of particulate antigens (such as bacteria and foreign blood corpuscles) Illustration of complement ACB right angle ACD complement of DCB (and vice versa) AD complement of DB (and vice versa) complement 2 of 2 verb com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-ˌment complemented; complementing; complements transitive verb 1 : to complete or enhance by providing something additional : to be complementary to The illustrations complement the text. 2 obsolete : compliment intransitive verb obsolete : to exchange formal courtesies Did you know? Is it complement or compliment? Today there is no overlap between the meanings of complement and compliment, as either nouns or verbs, but their similar spellings and pronunciations make them prime candidates for confusion. Despite the difference in their meanings, both complement and compliment have roots in the Latin word complēre which means “to complete.” Complement remains true to that origin in its spelling and in its meanings that have to do with completing or completion. Keep that connection in mind and there should be no question as to whether complement or compliment is the correct word to use in a given context. Synonyms Noun correlate supplement Verb complete round (off or out) See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Noun With the loss of just one American and four Japanese carriers, including their complements of aircraft and many of their superbly trained fliers … , Midway … put the Japanese navy at a disadvantage from which it never recovered. David M. Kennedy, Atlantic, March 1999 Exact observation of the outer world was the complement to a literal reading of Scripture. Garry Wills, Under God, 1990 The usual complement of Kremlin guards was about, one company of infantry with light arms. Tom Clancy, Red Storm Rising, 1986 His faults are accepted as the necessary complement to his merits. W. Somerset Maugham, Moon and Sixpence, 1919 The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit. a full complement of farm animals her usual complement of attendants a ship's complement of officers “President” in “they elected her president” and “to work” in “he wants to work” are different kinds of complements. Verb Carrots often work even better than sticks, so I propose a skinny subsidy to complement the fat tax. Jonathan Rauch, Atlantic, December 2002 The love of Bottom's bottomless vision at least complements, if it does not transcend, the rational love of Theseus. Frank Kermode, Shakespeare's Language, 2000 … his ice-blue Appalachian eyes glint through horn-rimmed glasses, which complement his salt-and-pepper beard. Henry Louis Gates, Jr., New Yorker, 19 June 1995 … lively photographs, illustrations and cartoons designed to complement the meanings of the poems and give a leg-up to the imagination. Carol Ann Duffy, Times Literary Supplement, 4-10 Dec. 1987 The shirt complements the suit nicely. a delicious dinner complemented by a splendid dessert The soup and salad complement each other well. See More Recent Examples on the Web Noun Many of them produce hearty seasonal varieties as a perfect complement to the crisp mountain air. Roger Naylor, The Arizona Republic, 14 Sep. 2022 Birmingham Museum of Art staff say the evening of art and discussion is especially fitting this year as a complement to the late minister’s 100th birthday. al, 2 Aug. 2022 Think of it as a complement to our flagship CEO Daily newsletter, but designed to give chief talent and chief people officers, and all those who aspire to those roles, news, analysis, and tips to help them do their jobs better. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 28 July 2022 For his part, Yurtseven has been emphatic about proving his value as a complement to starting center Bam Adebayo. Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 23 July 2022 Association programs work as a complement to in-house and other industry training. Giles Sutton, Forbes, 19 July 2022 Neither quarterback has had a full complement of playmakers this week, with running back Christian McCaffrey on a play limit and receivers Robbie Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr. limited as well. Tim Bielik, cleveland, 19 Aug. 2022 Even the base Palisade SE includes the 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, heated front seats, a new 4G WiFi hotspot, and a full complement of driver-assist tech. Karl Brauer, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 Why has Pep Guardiola decided that Manchester City does not need a full complement of substitutes? New York Times, 5 Aug. 2022 Verb These sources can complement the analysis of administrative documents and survivor testimonies and thus enrich our understanding of Nazi persecution. Wolf Gruner, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2022 To create a similar look, paint the baseboards to complement your cabinets or vanity and carry the color throughout the room. Marisa Donnelly, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2022 The pairing is excellent because the scrubbing bubbles, minerality, and fresh citrus of the Champagne both complement the different bites and cleanse the palate for the next taste. Liz Thach, Forbes, 16 Aug. 2022 Everywhere star's tips were manually dipped in gold to complement her jaw-dropping Sergio Hudson peach gown and glistening Chopard jewels. Jennet Jusu, Allure, 22 Mar. 2022 Choose colors that complement your house exterior or contrast the color of your front door. Sophie Flaxman, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 Aug. 2022 Discover simple decorating ideas for every space, including eye-catching ways to style your mantel, Christmas staircase decorations that'll complement your interior and holiday door decor that'll wow your guests. Alyssa Gautieri, Good Housekeeping, 19 Aug. 2022 This cream bronzer by Rihanna gets top marks for its incredibly lightweight formula that delivers the perfect second-skin warmth and comes in various shades that complement all complexions. Sophie Dweck, Town & Country, 19 Aug. 2022 View the full menu of items at carversutah.com/menu, and check the styles that complement any steak. The Salt Lake Tribune, 9 Aug. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Noun Middle English, "means of completing, consummation," borrowed from Anglo-French & Latin; Anglo-French, "carrying out" (also continental Middle French), borrowed from Latin complēmentum "something that fills out or completes," from complēre "to fill, make up, carry to completion" + -mentum -ment — more at complete entry 1 Note: See note at compliment entry 1. Verb derivative of complement entry 1 First Known Use Noun 14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a Verb 1602, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense Phrases Containing complement complement fixation subjective complement two's complement objective complement complement fixation subjective complement two's complement objective complement Kids Definition complement 1 of 2 noun com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-mənt 1 : something that makes whole or better The cool salad was the perfect complement to the spicy dish. 2 : the number or quantity of something that is needed or used the ship's complement of crew complement 2 of 2 verb com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-ˌment complemented; complementing : to serve as something necessary to make whole or better Find a hat that complements your costume. Medical Definition complement noun com·ple·ment ˈkäm-plə-mənt 1 : a group or set (as of chromosomes or DNA) that is typical of the complete organism or one of its parts see chromosome complement 2 : a complementary color 3 : the thermolabile group of proteins in normal blood serum and plasma that in combination with antibodies causes the destruction especially of particulate antigens (as bacteria and foreign blood corpuscles) complement 1 of 2 noun 1 as in supplement something that serves to complete or make up for a deficiency in something else with his practicality and her refreshing enthusiasm, they are perfect complements to each other Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance supplement correlate addition accompaniment extension appendix accessory adjunct annex additive appendage accessary addendum filler appliance attachment 2 as in capacity the largest number or amount that something can hold a full complement of sailors on the ship Synonyms & Similar Words capacity real estate volume fill cubage load measure area room space burden fullness stowage complement 2 of 2 verb as in to adorn to serve as a completing element to this silk handkerchief will complement your suit very nicely and give it a bit of dash Synonyms & Similar Words adorn decorate enhance complete improve beautify better embellish perfect enrich round (off or out) constitute form finish (off) flesh (out) make up
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complement

noun

Illustration of complement

verb

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing complement

Kids Definition

noun

verb

Medical Definition

noun

noun

verb