Complement vs Compliment — Difference Explained
complement vs compliment: Complement means to complete or enhance something, while compliment means to praise someone.
Verdict at a Glance
- Key difference: Complement means to complete or enhance something, while compliment means to praise someone.
- Memory tip: ComplementE completes (both have 'e'). ComplIment is nice (I like compliments).
- Best for: GRE test-takers preparing for Sentence Equivalence, Text Completion, Words-in-Context, and academic writing tasks where complement and compliment are easily confused.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | complement | compliment |
|---|---|---|
| Part of speech | noun/verb | noun/verb |
| Definition | Something that completes or enhances | An expression of praise or admiration |
| Example sentence | The wine complements the cheese perfectly. | She received many compliments on her presentation. |
| Synonyms | enhance, complete, supplement | praise, acclaim, flattery |
Memory Tip
ComplementE completes (both have 'e'). ComplIment is nice (I like compliments).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'complement' with 'compliment' in writing
- Using 'complimentary' when meaning 'complementary'
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between complement and compliment?
Complement means to complete or enhance something, while compliment means to praise someone.
What does complement mean?
Something that completes or enhances
What does compliment mean?
An expression of praise or admiration
How can I remember the difference between complement and compliment?
ComplementE completes (both have 'e'). ComplIment is nice (I like compliments).
What are common mistakes with complement and compliment?
Confusing 'complement' with 'compliment' in writing Using 'complimentary' when meaning 'complementary'
Which is better for GRE: complement or compliment?
Both complement and compliment appear in GRE reading and writing contexts. Knowing both — and the precise difference between them — is what test-makers reward, since they often appear as distractors for one another in Sentence Equivalence and Words-in-Context questions.