Commonly Confused Words: complement  / compliment

The words complement and compliment are sometimes confused because they look so similar. These words, however, have two distinctly different meanings.

 

Complement may be a verb or a noun.

As a verb, complement means to complete, to bring to perfection,  to go well with.

Examples

 

 

As a noun, complement refers to the thing which gives completion or perfection.

Example

 

 

Compliment may be a verb or a noun.

As a verb, compliment means to offer praise or flattery.

Example


As a noun, compliment refers to the praise or flattery offered.

Example

 

Link to exercises on complement / compliment..