Difference Between Compliment and Complement

Nouns and verbs are two of the fundamental parts of speech in the English language.

A noun is a word that represents a person, place, thing, or idea. For example, “dog,” “table,” “city,” and “love” are all nouns. Nouns can be either concrete (physical objects you can see and touch, such as “chair” or “cat”) or abstract (things you can’t see or touch, such as “happiness” or “democracy”).

A verb, on the other hand, is a word that describes an action, state, or occurrence. Verbs tell us what a subject is doing or what is happening to the subject. Examples of verbs include “run,” “swim,” “eat,” “laugh,” and “think.”

In a sentence, the noun is often the subject of the verb. For example, in the sentence “The dog runs in the park,” “dog” is the noun (the subject), and “runs” is the verb (the action).

For a more detailed explanation: Noun and Verb

Difference Between Compliment and Complement

Have you ever found yourself confused between the words “compliment” and “complement”? These two words may sound similar, but they have entirely different meanings. In this article, we will discuss the difference between these two words and provide examples of how to use them correctly.

Compliment

• The word “compliment” is a noun or a verb that means to express admiration or praise for someone or something. It is often used to acknowledge and appreciate someone’s qualities or actions. 
• A compliment is a kind or flattering remark given to someone in order to express admiration or appreciation for something they have done, their qualities, or their appearance. 
• Compliments can be a powerful way to build relationships, boost someone’s self-confidence, and show gratitude. Examples of compliments include telling someone they look beautiful or handsome, that you appreciate their hard work or talent, or that you value their friendship.

Complement

The word “complement” is also a noun or a verb, but it has a different meaning than “compliment.” It means to complete or enhance something, to make it perfect or whole. In other words, “complement” refers to something that goes well with something else or makes it better. 

• Complement has several meanings, but one of its main uses is to describe something that completes or enhances something else.
• Complement can also be used to describe something that is a perfect match or balance for something else. For instance, a person’s skills can complement their partner’s skills in a business venture, creating a well-rounded and successful team.

The difference between “compliment” and “complement” lies in their meanings. While “compliment” is used to express admiration or praise for someone or something, “complement” is used to complete or enhance something, to make it better. In short, “compliment” is about saying nice things, while “complement” is about matching or completing something.

Example of Compliment and Complement:

if you tell someone that they look beautiful or did an excellent job, you are giving them a compliment. Here are a few examples of how to use the word “compliment”:

• She complimented him on his cooking skills.
• He received many compliments on his new suit.
• I gave her a compliment on her excellent presentation.

if you say that the blue shirt complements your eyes, you mean that it makes your eyes look even more beautiful. Here are a few examples of how to use the word “complement”:

• The wine complemented the meal perfectly.
• The red curtains complement the green sofa.
• His skills complemented her expertise.

How to Remember Compliment and Complement?

Sometimes, it can be challenging to remember which word to use between “compliment” and “complement.” Here are a few tips to help you remember:

1. Compliment has an “i” in it, just like “I” in admire or praise. So, whenever you want to express admiration or praise for someone, you can use “compliment.”
2. Another way to remember is to associate “complement” with the word “complete,” as they share the same root.
3. You can also remember that “compliment” usually refers to saying nice things about someone, while “complement” usually refers to matching or completing something.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the words “compliment” and “complement” may sound similar, but they have entirely different meanings. Knowing the difference between these two words will help you use them correctly and avoid any confusion. So, the next time you want to praise someone or something, make sure you use the right word! 

FAQs on compliment and complement

Que 1. What is the difference between Compliment and Complement?

Ans – Compliment is an expression of praise or admiration, while complement refers to something that completes or enhances something else.

Que 2. Is compliment and complement synonyms?

Ans – No, they are not synonyms. Although they sound similar, their meanings are very different.

Que 3. How can I use compliment in a sentence?

Ans – Here are a few examples:

• She gave me a compliment on my new dress.
• He received many compliments for his excellent performance in the play.
• I want to pay you a compliment for your hard work. 

Que 4. How can I use complement in a sentence?

Ans – Here are a few examples:

• This red scarf complements your black coat perfectly.
• The spices in this dish complement each other very well.
• The new furniture is a perfect complement to the existing decor. 

Que 5. Can one word be both a compliment and a complement?

Ans – No, a word cannot be both a compliment and a complement at the same time. The meanings of the two words are different and distinct from each other.

Que 6. Is it important to use compliment and complement correctly?

Ans – Yes, it is important to use compliment and complement correctly in writing and speech. Using the wrong word can change the meaning of the sentence and cause confusion or misunderstandings.