Complement vs. Compliment: What’s the Difference?

The words complement and compliment sound identical, but they have different meanings.
One means to complete something, and the other means to praise someone.

Let’s look at how to tell them apart — easily and confidently.

Complement: To Complete or Go Well With Something

Meaning

“Complement” is a noun or verb that means to complete, enhance, or go well with something.
Think of it as making something whole or better.

Examples (10 total)

1. The red wine complements the steak perfectly.
2. Her shoes complement her dress.
3. The soft lighting complemented the romantic atmosphere.
4. The sauce is a great complement to the dish.
5. These colors complement each other beautifully.
6. His calm nature complements her energy.
7. The new software complements the existing system.
8. This necklace is the perfect complement to her outfit.
9. The two skills complement one another.
10. The dessert was a sweet complement to the meal.

🧠 Tip:
If it means to complete or go well with, it’s complement — with an E (like “complete”).

Compliment: To Praise or Express Admiration

Meaning

“Compliment” is a noun or verb that means to express admiration, praise, or a kind remark.

Examples (10 total)

1. She received a lovely compliment on her dress.
2. He complimented the chef on the meal.
3. I take that as a compliment!
4. He always knows how to compliment people sincerely.
5. Your teacher complimented your hard work.
6. The manager gave her a compliment for her presentation.
7. I got so many compliments on my haircut.
8. Please compliment your team on a job well done.
9. He smiled at her compliment.
10. That was such a thoughtful compliment.

🧠 Tip:
If it’s about praise or kind words, it’s compliment — with an I (like “I like it!”).

Quick Comparison Table

How to Remember the Difference

👉 Complement = Completes something. (Both have E.)
👉 Compliment = Kind words or praise. (Both have I — think “I like it.”)

💡 Memory Trick:

“E” for enhance, “I” for admire.

Common Phrases

Why People Mix Them Up

They sound exactly the same (homophones), and both can act as nouns or verbs — but their meanings don’t overlap.
Even professional writers and AI tools mix them up occasionally.
That’s why Humanizey helps fix subtle word-choice errors like this automatically, making writing sound natural and accurate.

FAQs

1. Is “complimentary” related to “compliment” or “complement”?

It depends on meaning:

• Complimentary (praise) → from compliment (She was very complimentary).
• Complimentary (free of charge) → from complement (Complimentary drinks were served).

2. Can two people complement each other?

Yes — when their personalities or skills fit together well.

3. Can I say “thanks for the complement”?

No — that means “thanks for completing me” 😅.
Say “thanks for the compliment.”

4. Are both words used in business writing?

Yes, but in different contexts:

• Complement → systems, products, teams.
• Compliment → communication or feedback.

Practice: Choose the Correct Word (“Complement” or “Compliment”)

(Answers are listed at the end.)

1. Her scarf perfectly ___s her jacket.
2. He gave her a kind ___.
3. The two flavors ___ each other nicely.
4. She smiled at his ___.
5. Your skills ___ our team’s needs.
6. The teacher’s ___ made him proud.
7. This side dish is a great ___ to the main course.
8. He knows how to ___ people sincerely.
9. That was such a thoughtful ___.
10. Their personalities really ___ one another.

Answers

1. complement
2. compliment
3. complement
4. compliment
5. complement
6. compliment
7. complement
8. compliment
9. compliment
10. complement