Word
complement
Phoneticscom·ple·ment, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈkɑmpɫəmənt/
UK/kˈɒmplɪmənt/
Definitions
01to improve or complete
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to add to something in a way that improves it or makes it perfect.
v. to contribute extra features to someone or something in such a way as to improve or emphasise their qualities.
Español:complementar
“The blue tie really complements your grey suit.”
“The minimalist production design complements the stark, emotional themes of the play without distracting the audience from the performances.”
Pitfall
The wine complimented the meal perfectly.
The wine complemented the meal perfectly.
Do not confuse 'complement' (to complete) with 'compliment' (to praise).
02a perfect partner
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a person or thing that goes well with something else.
n. a thing that contributes extra features to something else in a way that improves or emphasises its quality.
“The delicious sauce was the perfect complement to the grilled fish.”
“The new CEO's focus on operational efficiency proved to be a vital complement to the founder's creative vision.”
03the full amount
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. the total number or amount of people or things needed for something.
n. the full number or quantity required or allowed to make something complete.
“The ship finally had its full complement of sailors and was ready to sail.”
“The department is currently operating with a full complement of staff for the first time since the restructuring began last year.”
04grammar
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Linguistics Technical
n. a word or phrase that follows a verb and gives more information about the subject or object.
n. a word or phrase, especially an adjective or noun, that is used after a linking verb to complete the predicate.
“In the sentence 'She seems happy', the word 'happy' is a complement.”
“The professor explained that while some verbs are intransitive, others require a complement to form a grammatically complete sentence.”
Usage
In the sentence 'He is a doctor', the phrase 'a doctor' is a subject complement.
05math and science
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Mathematics Technical
n. an amount or set that, when added to another, makes a whole.
n. the amount or set required to complete a whole, such as an angle that makes a right angle or a set of elements not in a given subset.
“The complement of a 30-degree angle is a 60-degree angle.”
“In set theory, the absolute complement of set A consists of all elements in the universal set that are not members of A.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “complement” in context.
Verb
01. complement and enhance the experience
“The interactive exhibits were designed to complement and enhance the experience of the traditional gallery tour.”
verb + and + verb
02. complement the existing decor
“We chose neutral curtains that would complement the existing decor without overwhelming the room.”
verb + adj + noun
Noun
03. full complement of staff
“The hospital is finally operating with a full complement of staff after months of recruitment.”
noun + of + noun
04. ideal complement to the collection
“This rare landscape painting is an ideal complement to the museum's existing 19th-century collection.”
noun + prep + noun
Adverb
05. beautifully complement each other
“Their different management styles beautifully complement each other, creating a balanced leadership team.”
adv + verb
06. perfectly complement the flavors
“The crisp acidity of the white wine perfectly complements the flavors of the grilled seafood.”
adv + verb
Confusables
Compliment is a polite expression of praise, while complement is something that completes or improves another thing.
RememberComplEment adds an Extra piece to complEte the set.
Real-World Examples
“Veteran Andreas Christensen complements Cubarsi in central defence.” “The Government has asked the UN to complement the national response, with initial priorities including temporary shelter, health, food security and protection .” Etymology
From Middle English complement, from Latin complēmentum (“that which fills up or completes”), from compleō (“to fill up; to complete”) (English complete). Doublet of compliment. The verb is from the noun.
See compliment.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/complement
Traducciones: Kaikki.org (Wiktionary), CC BY-SA 4.0