English vocabulary · C1
Complement
/ˈkɑːmpləmənt/ · v., n.
To complement something is to add what it needs, so both parts work well together. Each part makes the full result better and stronger.
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Example sentences
- The red scarf complements her coat.
- Music was a complement to dinner.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- com — completely (from Latin)
- ple — fill (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- FINISH — make it whole (Add The Last Part)
- IMPROVE — raise its quality (Make It Better)
- MATCH — fit well together (Work Well Together)
Words with the same root
ple — fill
- complete — make whole
- supply — provide what is needed
- replete — completely full
Lesson notes
To complement something is to add what it needs, so both parts work well together. Each part makes the full result better and stronger.
Related: finish, improve, match. Use complement when parts work better together.
The red scarf complements her coat. Music was a complement to dinner.
From Latin. Com- means completely. Ple- means fill. Completely fill the gap: complement.