A complement completes or goes well with something. A compliment expresses praise. The two words can both be nouns or verbs.
Compare what fits with what praises
- “The lemon complements the fish.” The flavors work well together.
- “The lemon is a good complement to the fish.” Here the word names the ingredient that goes well with it.
- “Mara complimented Lee on the meal.” She praised Lee. What she said was a compliment.
Check the word you could substitute
If goes well with or completes fits, write complement. If praise fits, write compliment. The adjectives follow the same pattern when they describe things that fit together or remarks that express praise. Complimentary can also mean free of charge.
Try it
“The bright scarf ___ the coat, and a stranger gave me a ___ on the outfit.”
Show the answer
Use complements for the scarf that goes well with the coat and compliment for the praise.
See also Complimentary vs. Complementary.
