complement
/ˈkɒmplɪmənt/something that completes or enhances something else
Her smile was a complement to her elegant dress.
Her smile added to the overall beauty of her appearance.
Can be used to describe things that work well together or enhance each other.
a grammatical element that provides additional information about the subject or object
In the sentence 'I gave the book to the student,' 'the student' is the indirect object complement.
The phrase 'the student' provides additional information about who received the book.
In linguistics, a complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb, noun, or adjective.
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💡Pro Tip
Avoid Confusion
Remember that 'complement' is about completing or enhancing, while 'compliment' is about praise.
⚡Gold Rule
Correct Usage
Use 'complement' when referring to something that completes or enhances another thing.
📖Word Origin
From Latin 'complementum,' meaning 'that which fills up or completes,' from 'complere' meaning 'to fill up.'
📝Usage Notes
The word 'complement' is often confused with 'compliment,' which means praise. 'Complement' refers to something that completes or enhances.