Updated 2026-07-10
Compliment vs. Complement
A compliment is praise. A complement completes something. Wine complements cheese; your friend compliments your outfit.
Compliment (with an i) = praise or flattery. "She complimented my writing."
Complement (with an e) = something that completes or goes well with something else. "The wine complements the meal."
In grammar, a complement completes the meaning of a verb. In design, complementary colors sit opposite on the color wheel. Same root, different contexts.
Examples
The wine compliments the cheese.
The wine complements the cheese.
She complemented my outfit.
She complimented my outfit.
Frequently asked questions
Something that completes or pairs well with another thing, like complementary colors.
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Last updated: 2026-07-10
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