Compliment vs. Complement
By Robin
Complement: A Definition
Compliment: A Definition
1. An expression of praise, admiration or congratulation
2. A formal act of civility, respect or courtesy
What is the difference....exactly?
Although the words are pronounced the same, they have very different meanings. When you compliment someone, you are giving them praise; while complement represents completing or making something perfect. You can remember this by the word with the "e" also means complete. Complement = complete. Here are a few examples:
- I complimented her on her beautiful gown.
- Her gown complemented her earrings perfectly.
- The dancer received many compliments for her beauty and grace on stage.
- The music was a perfect complement to her dancing style.
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Thoughts, Comments or Questions?
nice..now i know!..thank u!
Thank you
This appears to never grow old!
I was just googling to refresh myself of the difference!
Your hub was the first hit! Thank you!
If I send out a free sample it's with compliments.
If I send out a receipt, a signed contract or other information which I think is final, I use "with complements".
Complimentary is free... Compliment is a praise... Complement completes something, so it's Compliments of the house...
Hmmm. Agreed. So why does everyone send compliment slips and not complement slips?
"all i need 2 do is match x to it's twin ..."
Oh so wrong on so many fronts. If only it included a to/two/too mistake and we'd have the best example ever.
For the triangles, it would be complementary.
For the free stuff, it would be complimentary.
Ok-- I see the definitions above-- if I stay at a hotel and they offer me a "complimentary" drink at the bar are they offering me a "free" drink or are they trying to "complement" (as in perfect) my stay?
Connorgirl, your example is clearly complEment because together the angles make up a complete straight line.
i love it! which one would be for this question though?
i need to find the measurement of angle x, but i know that both triangles are congruent. all i need 2 do is match x to it's twin on the other triangle. we would call x's twin, x's complement/compliment. which one? thanks! i luv ur kid!
i guess we outsmarted him
The donuts were compliments of Jack? Or complements of Jack?
So what's the answer to Alex's question?
Thanks, Ben. I appreciate the comment!
I am an incurable proofreader (it runs in my family). I can't tell you how often I see "compliment" used where "complement" was clearly intended.
I enjoy your grammar posts - thanks for sharing!
But you present the easy case. What about "compliments of the house"? Is the freebie making something perfect, or is it flattering the recipient?
Yes, you did! I appreciate the compliment. I think it's a perfect complement to my other hubs. ;)
I compliment you on a hub well presented. I hope I got it right! LOL!
I agree. Thanks for reading. ;)
It is surprising how many people get this one wrong -- even in printed documents that should have been proof-read.
John 5 months ago
What is correct? Compliments of or compliments from.