There are tricky word pairs which can easily trip you up in your writing. Take 'complement' and 'compliment', for example. Do you know the difference? Here are a few tips to help you differentiate between the two and use them correctly...
2. COMPLEMENT (verb) means ‘to complete the
whole’, ‘to add to’, ‘to enhance’ or ‘to bring to
perfection’.
I didn’t think she was his type but she actually complements him.
The wine you brought complemented the meal perfectly.
Those red shoes really complement your dress.
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3. COMPLIMENT (verb) means ‘to express admiration
of’, ‘to commend’ or ‘to praise’.
Jimmy always compliments Ann whenever he sees her.
The boss complimented us on a stellar performance.
I must compliment her excellent taste in shoes!
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4. A COMPLEMENT (noun) is ‘the quantity or number
required to complete the whole’.
I’m sorry but we already have a full complement for our team.
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5. A COMPLIMENT (noun, usually pl.) is ‘a greeting of
respect or regard’.
Our compliments to the chef! The fish was divine!
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6. COMPLEMENTARY (adj.) refers to ‘the pair of
colors directly opposite each other on the color
wheel’.
Chefette uses the complementary colors yellow and purple.
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7. COMPLEMENTARY (adj.) also refers to ‘alternative
therapies used in conjunction with conventional
medicine’.
I opted to try complementary medicine instead of popping pills.
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8. COMPLIMENTARY (adj.) refers to sth ‘given at no
cost’ or ‘given as a gift’.
Please collect your complimentary lunch pass at reception.
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9. :
:
the s: compl t ,
nhanc , p rf ct;
color wh l; th rapy
the s: adm rat on; n ce
th ng to say; g ft, grat s
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