Daily Word Box

Word

complement

noun C1

Meanings

noun

Something that completes or goes well with something else, making it better or more effective.

Visual cue for complement — meaning 1
noun

In grammar, a word or phrase that completes the meaning of another word or of the sentence (for example, after linking verbs).

Visual cue for complement — meaning 2
noun

A complete group or amount needed for something, especially the full number of staff or crew.

Visual cue for complement — meaning 3

Definition

A complement is something that completes or improves something else.

A complement is a person or thing that goes well with another and makes it seem complete or better. It is often used for items that match nicely, like colors, foods, or parts of a set. In grammar, a complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a sentence or a part of it.

Examples

  • The salad was a perfect complement to the spicy pasta.
  • Her calm attitude is a complement to his energetic style.
  • In the sentence, the phrase acts as a complement.
  • The plane took off with a full complement of crew.
  • A warm scarf is a great complement to a winter coat.