Difference between compliment and complement

Key takeaways:

Compliment refers to praise or a positive remark. It’s something you say to appreciate someone or something.
A complement completes or enhances something else, making it more complete or better.
A compliment is used when expressing admiration, flattery, remarks, or praise, either as a noun (“She gave a compliment”) or a verb (“He complimented me on my work”).
Complement is used when something enhances or completes something else, either as a noun (“The sauce is a perfect complement”) or verb (“The new features complement the product”).

Part of the series Grammar Debugged—English for Devs

In the English language, the terms compliment and complement are often confused due to their similar pronunciation, yet they hold distinct meanings. Understanding the difference between these two can help clarify communication and writing skills, as each serves a unique purpose in everyday language and specialized contexts. In this Answer, we will break down each term, provide clear examples, and help you avoid common mistakes.

Both complement and compliment can function as both nounsA noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. and verbsA verb is a word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being., so use them carefully.

What is compliment?

The word compliment is mostly used as a noun or verb. As a noun, it refers to a positive remark about someone or something. As a verb, it means to praise or admire something or someone.

Example (as a noun): She gave me a lovely compliment on my watch.
Example (as a verb): He complimented her on her excellent grades.

It’s very inexpensive to give a compliment—Joyce Meyer

To be trusted is a greater compliment than being loved.—George MacDonald

Compliment examples as noun and verb

Let’s explore different examples of compliment as a noun and verb to better understand how it’s used.

Compliment vs. complimentary

As already mentioned, compliment can be used either as a verb or a noun. Complimentary, however, is an adjective.

Example: The reporter was very complimentary about the actor’s work.

It can also describe something provided for free, usually as a gesture of goodwill or courtesy.

Example: The garlic bread is complimentary with your pasta.

What is the complement?

The word complement is primarily used as a noun. It refers to something that completes or enhances another thing, making it better or more complete. It can also be used as a verb, meaning to complete or enhance.

Example (noun): The sauce is a perfect complement to the chips.
Example (verb): The new design complements the overall aesthetic of the building.

Complement examples as noun and verb

Let’s explore complement meaning in various technical contexts to better understand how it’s used.

Common mistakes

Mistake 1: Using compliment for things that complete or enhance
- Wrong: Her blue dress is a compliment to her personality.
- Correct: Her blue dress is a complement to her personality.
Mistake 2: Using complement for praise
- Wrong: The chef received a complement for his exceptional cooking.
- Correct: The chef received a compliment for his exceptional cooking.

Pronunciation

Complement and compliment are homophones—words that sound the same but have different meanings. The pronunciation of both is kom-pli-ment. To listen to how it is pronounced, click the play button:

Frequently asked questions

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Is free food complimentary or complementary?

Free food is Complimentary. When something is free, it is described as complimentary (as in “complimentary food”).

Which complimentary means free?

Complimentary means free. For example, “Complimentary breakfast is included with the hotel stay.” It refers to something given at no charge.

Does complement mean praise?

No, complement does not mean praise. It refers to something that completes or enhances another thing.

Is it complimentary coffee or complementary coffee?

Complimentary coffee. It refers to coffee that is provided for free, like in a hotel or event.

Are complimentary things free?

Yes, complimentary things are free. If something is described as complimentary, it means it’s provided without charge.

Is complement the same as praise?

No, complement is not the same as praise. Complement refers to something that completes or enhances another thing, whereas praise refers to positive feedback.

What is the difference between complimentary and compliments?

Complimentary refers to something given for free or expressing praise while compliments are expressions of praise or admiration.

Is it complement or compliment of the season?

It is compliments of the season, meaning good wishes or greetings for the season.

Key differences	*Compliment*	*Complement*
Meaning	A positive remark or praise	Completes or enhances another thing
Part of Speech	Noun or verb	Noun or verb
Use as a Noun	She gave me a wonderful compliment on my dress at the party.	The sauce is the perfect complement to the steak.
Use as a Verb	He complimented her on the performance.	Her skills in design complemented his technical expertise perfectly.
Synonyms	Praise, admiration	Addition, enhancement