Complement Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of COMPLEMENT

[count]

1

:

something that completes something else or makes it better

• The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit.

2

:

the usual number or quantity of something that is needed or used

• a full complement of farm animals
• her usual complement of attendants
• a ship's complement of officers

3

grammar

:

a word or group of words added to a sentence to make it complete

• “President” in “they elected her president” and “to work” in “he wants to work” are different kinds of complements.

◊ Do not confuse complement with compliment.

Britannica Dictionary definition of COMPLEMENT

[+ object]

:

to complete something else or make it better

• The shirt complements the suit nicely.
• a delicious dinner complemented by a splendid dessert
• The soup and salad complement each other well.

◊ Do not confuse complement with compliment.