complementary
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.describing two things that work well together because they each provide what the other is missing.
adj.acting as a complement; completing a whole or enhancing the qualities of another through contrast or addition.
Simple“The two sisters have very different but complementary personalities.”
In context“The merger was successful because the two companies possessed complementary strengths in manufacturing and digital marketing.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'to'.
PitfallThe manager gave me a complementary ticket. The manager gave me a complimentary ticket.Use 'complementary' for things that complete each other. Use 'complimentary' for things that are free or involve praise.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.describing how parts of DNA or RNA fit together perfectly like a puzzle.
adj.relating to the specific pairing of nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA molecules.
Simple“In DNA, the base adenine is always complementary to thymine.”
In context“The double-helix structure relies on complementary base pairing to ensure that genetic information is copied accurately during replication.”
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.one of two colours that look very different but look good together, like red and green.
n.one of a pair of primary or secondary colours that, when combined, create a neutral colour like grey or white.
Simple“She chose orange as a complementary to the blue walls of the room.”
In context“The artist used a vibrant purple as a complementary to the yellow highlights, creating a sense of visual tension in the portrait.”
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.an angle that, when added to another angle, makes exactly 90 degrees.
n.an angle that adds with another to equal 90 degrees or a right angle.
Simple“If one angle is 30 degrees, its complementary is 60 degrees.”
In context“The architect calculated the complementary of the roof's pitch to ensure the support beams met at a perfect right angle.”
complementary vs complimentary — Complementary describes things that complete each other, while complimentary describes praise or items provided for free.
Usage complementary approach
“We see it as a protection complementary to the storm shelter,” Houri says.”
“Dr Yasir Ali, a reader in Transport Modelling at Loughborough University, says e-scooters are "complementary" to other modes of transport, rather than replacing them.”
From complement + -ary. Piecewise doublet of complimentary.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.