Complement vs Compliment: Which One Do You Need?
Complement completes something. Compliment praises someone.
The wine complements the dish. She paid him a compliment.
The test that settles it
Look at the middle letter. Complement has an e, like complete — and that is what it does.
“The scarf ___ the coat” → it completes the outfit, so complements.
“He ___ her on the talk” → he praised her, so complimented.
Complement completes. Compliment is something I like to receive.
Complement: to complete or go well with
Both a verb and a noun. As a noun it can also mean the full number needed — a ship’s complement of crew.
The colours complement each other.
A full complement of staff was on duty.
These findings complement the earlier study.
Swap in completes or goes with. If it works, complement.
Compliment: praise
Both a verb and a noun. To compliment someone is to say something admiring; a compliment is that remark.
She complimented the chef.
Take it as a compliment.
He is fishing for compliments.
Swap in praise. If it works, compliment.
Side by side
| Complement | Compliment |
|---|---|
| Completes | Praises |
| Middle e | Middle i |
| Swaps with goes with | Swaps with praise |
| A complement of staff | A compliment on your work |
The exceptions
Complimentary usually means praising, but it also means free of charge — a complimentary breakfast.
Complementary, with the e, means fitting together: complementary colours, complementary skills.
In grammar a complement is the part of a sentence that completes the meaning of the verb, as in she is a doctor. It has nothing to do with praise.
Where people get it wrong
| Incorrect | Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| a lovely compliment to the meal | a lovely complement to the meal | It completes the meal. |
| He complemented her cooking. | He complimented her cooking. | He praised it. |
| complementary tickets | complimentary tickets | Free of charge. |
| complimentary angles | complementary angles | They complete 90 degrees. |
Practice — choose the right word, then check yourself.
- The sauce ___ the fish perfectly.
- She received a ___ on her presentation.
- The hotel offers a ___ breakfast.
- Their skills are ___.
- He ___ me on my Spanish.
Show the answers
1. complements 2. compliment 3. complimentary 4. complementary 5. complimented
Frequently asked
How do I remember which is which?
The e in complement matches the e in complete. That single letter is the whole distinction.
Is compliments of the house right?
Yes — it means given free as a courtesy, which is the second sense of complimentary.
More words people confuse
