“Complement” vs. “Compliment”: Easy Guide with Examples

These two words look almost the same but mean very different things.

Don’t worry—Midoo AI will teach you today how to use complement and compliment correctly. With clear rules and examples, you’ll never mix them up again.

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Complement – Something That Completes

Complement means something that completes or goes well with something else. Think of it as “making something better or whole.”

Examples:

  • That scarf is the perfect complement to your outfit.
  • Good communication skills complement technical knowledge.
  • Rice is a common complement to curry.
  • Her calm nature complements his energy.
  • The sauce is a great complement to the dish.

👉 Tip: If you can replace it with complete or goes well with, it’s usually complement.

Compliment – A Nice Comment

Compliment means praise or a nice thing you say about someone.

Examples:

  • She gave me a compliment on my new haircut.
  • He received many compliments for his speech.
  • That’s a huge compliment coming from you.
  • People often compliment others on their cooking.
  • The teacher complimented the students on their hard work.

👉 Tip: If you can replace it with praise, it’s usually compliment.

Quick Trick to Remember

  • Complement → completes something
  • Compliment → kind words or praise

Example in one sentence:

  • The necklace complements her dress, and she received a compliment on her style.

Final Tip from Midoo AI

If you’re stuck, think about the meaning:

  • Complement = completes.
  • Compliment = kind words.

Once you link them with these simple ideas, you won’t confuse them again.

FAQS:

Q1: Is “complement” the same as “compliment”?

No. Complement means something that completes. Compliment means praise.

Q2: Can “complement” be used as a verb?

Yes. Example: “The wine complements the cheese.”

Q3: Can “compliment” be used as a verb?

Yes. Example: “She complimented me on my work.”

Q4: Do they sound the same?

Yes, both are pronounced the same, which is why people confuse them.

Q5: Which one should I focus on as a learner?

Learn both, but remember the trick: complement = complete, compliment = praise.