Compliment vs. Complement: What’s the Difference?

The English language is full of words that sound alike but carry entirely different meanings. Among these, “compliment” and “complement” are often confused. While they may be homophones—words that sound the same—they function differently in both meaning and usage. 

Misusing them can lead to confusing sentences and miscommunications. This article aims to break down the definitions, uses, and examples of each term to help you master the difference once and for all.

Overview: Compliment vs. Complement

At first glance—or rather, first sound—compliment and complement appear identical. Both are pronounced /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/ and can function as either a noun or a verb, depending on the context. However, their meanings are distinct:

• Compliment relates to praise or admiration.
  
• Complement refers to something that completes or enhances something else.
  

So, if someone says, “Your shoes complement your outfit,” they mean the shoes enhance the overall look. But if they say, “Nice shoes!”—that’s a compliment, or verbal praise.

Why They’re Commonly Confused

These words are commonly confused for several reasons:

• Identical pronunciation (homophones)
  
• Similar spelling
  
• Dual use as nouns and verbs
  
• Subtle differences in context that require close attention
  

It’s a classic case of English trickery. Even native speakers get them mixed up, especially when writing. The key is to look at the context—are you talking about flattery, or completion?

Quick Comparison Chart

What Is a Compliment?

A compliment is a polite expression of praise or admiration. It can be spoken or written and is generally intended to uplift, recognize, or flatter someone.

Compliment as a Noun

As a noun, a compliment refers to the actual words of praise or recognition that are given to someone. Compliments can be personal, professional, or casual, and they often foster goodwill.

Definition:

A compliment is a spoken or written expression of praise, admiration, or approval.

Examples in Sentences:

1. “She received a lot of compliments on her new hairstyle.”
   Here, ‘compliments’ are remarks of admiration directed at her hair.
   
2. “It was a genuine compliment when he said I was the best player on the team.”
   This sentence highlights that the speaker felt the praise was heartfelt and sincere.
   
3. “I take it as a compliment that you think I’m capable of handling this project.”
   The person acknowledges admiration for their capability.
   
4. “His compliment made her day.”
   A single expression of praise uplifted her mood.
   
5. “That’s a wonderful compliment coming from you!”
   The compliment is considered valuable based on who gave it.
   

Compliments don’t always have to be verbal. They can come in the form of actions—like giving someone flowers as a compliment to their hard work—or even looks of approval.

Common Types of Compliments:

• Appearance: “You look amazing today!”
  
• Skills: “You did an excellent job on the report.”
  
• Personality: “You’re always so thoughtful.”
  
• Achievements: “Congratulations on the promotion—you earned it.”
  

Compliments are powerful tools in both personal relationships and professional settings. A well-placed compliment can improve communication, boost morale, and build stronger interpersonal connections.

Compliment as a Verb

As a verb, “to compliment” means to offer praise or admiration.

Definition:

To compliment someone is to express praise or admiration toward them.

Examples in Sentences:

1. “He complimented her on her eloquence during the meeting.”
   The subject verbally expressed admiration for her speaking skills.
   
2. “I must compliment you on your cooking skills—this meal is fantastic!”
   In this context, the speaker is offering direct praise for the food.
   
3. “They complimented the team for their hard work and dedication.”
   The compliment is being directed at a group effort.
   
4. “She always compliments her colleagues when they do something well.”
   Describes a habitual action of praising others.
   
5. “He complimented my dress and asked where I bought it.”
   Praise for appearance, often a common use of compliments.
   

Using compliments effectively can help make social interactions smoother and foster mutual respect. However, it’s important to be genuine—insincere compliments often come across as flattery or manipulation.

Complement: What Does It Mean?

Let’s now explore the word complement, which is completely different in meaning despite sounding the same.

Complement as a Noun

As a noun, a complement is something that completes or goes well with something else. It’s about balance, enhancement, or completion.

Definition:

A complement is something that enhances, completes, or improves another thing by providing what it lacks.

Examples in Sentences:

1. “Her scarf is a nice complement to her outfit.”
   The scarf enhances the overall look—it’s not praise, it’s enhancement.
   
2. “The red wine was a perfect complement to the steak.”
   In this culinary context, the wine and steak pair well together.
   
3. “They are complements in business—her creativity matches his strategic thinking.”
   Together, they form a well-rounded team.
   
4. “The company’s customer service is a strong complement to its innovative products.”
   A business example showing two elements working in harmony.
   
5. “A good night’s sleep is the perfect complement to a healthy lifestyle.”
   Healthy sleep habits enhance physical well-being.
   

Complement as a Verb

As a verb, “to complement” means to go well with or enhance something. It does not involve flattery.

Definition:

To complement means to add to something in a way that enhances or completes it.

Examples in Sentences:

1. “The curtains complement the color scheme of the room.”
   Here, the curtains enhance the design—not praise it.
   
2. “Their personalities complement each other.”
   They work well together due to their different but compatible traits.
   
3. “The software complements the hardware by improving performance.”
   A technical use showing synergy between two components.
   
4. “That tie perfectly complements your suit.”
   The tie enhances the look of the suit without being the focus.
   
5. “This new policy complements our existing strategy.”
   The policy adds value to what is already in place.
   

How to Remember the Difference

Here are some handy tips and memory aids:

• Compliment = praise (both have “i”, think “I like it”)
  
• Complement = complete (both have “e”, think “enhance” or “entire”)
  
• Compliment = I give praise
  
• Complement = Enhance or complete
  

If someone is being nice to you, they’re complimenting you. If two things go well together, they complement each other.

Compliment as a Verb

When used as a verb, the word compliment means to express praise, approval, or admiration toward someone. This action is often social in nature and typically serves to make the other person feel appreciated or valued. It’s commonly used in both casual conversations and formal interactions, ranging from personal compliments on someone’s looks or behavior to professional praise for achievements or contributions.

Usage in Giving Praise

The act of complimenting someone can serve multiple purposes:

• Boosting morale: Compliments can uplift spirits and motivate.
  
• Building rapport: They help form or strengthen relationships.
  
• Creating positive environments: In both personal and professional settings.
  

While compliments are often spoken, they can also be written (e.g., in a thank-you note or email). It’s important that compliments come across as sincere rather than forced or manipulative, as false flattery can be seen as disingenuous.

Examples in Sentences

1. “She complimented him on his public speaking skills.”
   She verbally expressed admiration for how well he spoke.
   
2. “I want to compliment you on how organized this event is—it’s impressive.”
   The speaker is offering professional praise.
   
3. “They complimented the chef on the delicious meal.”
   This compliment expresses appreciation for culinary skill.
   
4. “The manager complimented her team for exceeding the sales targets.”
   Here, the act of complimenting reinforces team morale.
   
5. “He complimented her outfit, saying it was both stylish and elegant.”
   This is a casual, personal compliment related to appearance.
   

Being able to give thoughtful, sincere compliments is a valuable communication skill that contributes positively to social dynamics and professional culture.

Synonyms for Compliment

To diversify your vocabulary and add variety to your writing or speech, here are some commonly used synonyms for compliment, both as a noun and a verb:

As a Noun:

• Praise: General approval or commendation
  Example: She earned praise for her dedication.
  
• Flattery: Excessive or insincere praise
  Example: His compliments bordered on flattery.
  
• Admiration: Respect or warm approval
  Example: They expressed their admiration for her courage.
  
• Commendation: Formal praise
  Example: He received a commendation for his service.
  
• Tribute: An act, statement, or gift intended to show gratitude or respect
  Example: The award was a tribute to her achievements.
  

As a Verb:

• Praise: To express approval
  Example: The teacher praised the students for their effort.
  
• Commend: To formally express approval
  Example: I commend you on your professionalism.
  
• Applaud: To express strong approval, often publicly
  Example: They applauded her performance.
  
• Congratulate: To express praise for an achievement
  Example: He congratulated her on the promotion.
  
• Admire: To regard with respect or warm approval
  Example: I admire your dedication.
  

Keep in mind that some of these synonyms carry slightly different tones or levels of formality, so choose based on the context of your message.

What Is a Complement?

Unlike a compliment, a complement has nothing to do with flattery or praise. Instead, it refers to something that completes, enhances, or improves another thing. This concept is especially common in areas like fashion, design, food pairing, relationships, grammar, and even math.

Whether used as a noun or a verb, a complement emphasizes harmony, balance, or the act of making something more complete.

Complement as a Noun

As a noun, a complement refers to something that completes, improves, or brings something else to perfection. It fills in the gaps, enhances the main element, or creates a harmonious pairing.

Meaning: Something That Completes or Enhances

A complement is something that adds to, enhances, or improves another thing by contributing necessary or matching qualities.

Complementary elements are not necessarily the same—they’re often different but compatible, working together to create a better whole. For example, red and green are complementary colors because they contrast in a way that enhances each other.

Examples in Context:

1. “That side dish is a perfect complement to the main course.”
   The side dish enhances the overall meal.
   
2. “The two singers’ voices are a great complement to each other.”
   Together, their different tones produce a pleasing harmony.
   
3. “His technical skills are a strong complement to her creative approach.”
   Together, they form a balanced and effective team.
   
4. “The earthy tones of the rug are a nice complement to the modern furniture.”
   The rug enhances the visual design.
   
5. “Yoga is a good complement to weight training.”
   Combining both improves overall physical wellness.
   

This use of complement is especially prevalent in aesthetics, design, relationships, and culinary arts.

Complement as a Verb

As a verb, to complement means to add to something in a way that enhances or completes it. The idea is to form a unified, balanced whole by combining two or more compatible elements.

Usage in Expressing Harmony or Enhancement

To complement is to enhance, complete, or harmonize with something by adding suitable or necessary qualities.

This verb form is commonly used in descriptions of:

• Fashion and style: “That jacket complements your jeans.”
  
• Interpersonal relationships: “Their skills complement each other.”
  
• Design and aesthetics: “The blue tones complement the warm lighting.”
  
• Functionality: “The software complements the new operating system.”
  

Examples in Sentences:

1. “The warm lighting complements the cozy atmosphere of the room.”
   The lighting enhances the room’s feel.
   
2. “Their personalities complement each other—she’s calm while he’s outgoing.”
   Together, their traits create balance.
   
3. “The wine complemented the cheese perfectly.”
   Food pairing often involves complementary flavors.
   
4. “The new features complement the existing functionality of the app.”
   The features enhance, not replace, the original purpose.
   
5. “That color complements your skin tone beautifully.”
   Color harmony in fashion or design.
   

The use of complement as a verb is especially common in technical writing, fashion, culinary arts, interior design, and interpersonal dynamics.

Complementary vs. Complimentary

Although “complementary” and “complimentary” look almost identical and sound the same, their meanings are quite different. These adjectival forms stem from the nouns complement and compliment, respectively.

Understanding the difference is essential for correct usage, especially in written English where spelling truly matters.

Definition and Difference

• 
  Complementary means working well together or enhancing each other. Think balance and completion.
  
• Complimentary has two meanings:
  
  • Giving praise (as in a complimentary comment)
    
  • Free of charge (as in a complimentary meal or service)
    

Example Pairs:

1. “Complementary colors”
   
   • Red and green are complementary on the color wheel because they enhance each other by contrast.
     
2. “Complimentary tickets”
   
   • We received complimentary tickets to the concert—no charge at all!
     
3. “Their skills are complementary.”
   
   • She’s analytical, and he’s creative. Together, they make a balanced team.
     
4. “He made a complimentary remark about her presentation.”
   
   • He praised her performance—kind words, not a freebie.
     

Understanding context is key. If it relates to balance or harmony, go with complementary. If it’s about praise or free things, use complimentary.

Common Expressions with “Compliment”

Compliments appear in many idiomatic expressions in English. Some are straightforward, while others carry nuanced or ironic meanings.

Backhanded Compliment

A backhanded compliment (also called a left-handed compliment) is a remark that appears to be a compliment but is actually insulting or critical.

Examples:

• “You’re surprisingly good at this.”
  (Implies surprise that you were capable at all.)
  
• “That dress makes you look so much thinner!”
  (Suggests you usually don’t look good.)
  

These types of compliments can create awkward situations because they undermine the very praise they pretend to give.

Fishing for Compliments

To be fishing for compliments means to seek praise indirectly, often by downplaying oneself or making self-deprecating comments in hopes of receiving reassurance.

Examples:

• “Ugh, I look terrible today.” (Hoping someone says: “No, you look great!”)
  
• “I don’t think I did very well on the presentation.” (Waiting for someone to say: “You were amazing!”)
  

While often harmless, excessive fishing for compliments can be seen as attention-seeking.

Compliments of (the house)

The phrase “Compliments of the house” is a formal or polite way to indicate that something is provided for free by the establishment, often in restaurants or hospitality settings.

Examples:

• “This dessert is on the house—compliments of the chef.”
  
• “Your drinks are complimentary tonight, compliments of the manager.”
  

It can also appear in written form:

• “Compliments of John & Sarah’s Wedding—Please Take One.”
  (Used to label free party favors.)
  

This phrase is a courteous way of expressing generosity and hospitality.

Tricks to Remember the Difference

Getting “compliment” and “complement” right doesn’t have to be confusing. Here are some clever and effective memory tools and mnemonics to help you keep them straight:

Memory Tips

• Compliment contains an “i” — and “I” like to give praise.
  Think of “I like you” or “I admire”—both involve compliments.
  
• Complement contains an “e” — and “e” stands for enhance or complete.
  Think “elements” that go together.
  
• Compliment = Praise
  Example: “Nice job!” = Compliment with an i
  
• Complement = Complete or Enhance
  Example: “That wine complements the meal” = Completes or improves
  

Mnemonics and Visual Cues

1. Picture Compliment with a Mirror:
   
   • When someone compliments you, it’s like they’re holding up a mirror and showing your best side.
     
   • Visual cue: “I” in mirror = Compliment with an “i”
     
2. Picture Complement as Puzzle Pieces:
   
   • Two puzzle pieces fit together—they complement each other.
     
   • Visual cue: Two parts forming a whole = Complement with an “e”
     
3. Think: “Complimentary chocolate = Free Treat”
   
   • If it’s free, it’s complimentary (with “i” and “freebie” as key ideas)
     
4. Think: “Complementary skills = Team success”
   
   • Different but compatible things create harmony—complement with “e”
     
5. Phrase Association:
   
   • Give a compliment = Give praise
     
   • Add a complement = Add balance or improvement
     

By associating “compliment” with interpersonal actions (like giving praise) and “complement” with objects or abstract concepts working together, it becomes easier to select the correct word in context.

Conclusion

Understanding the difference between compliment and complement enhances both your writing and communication. While one expresses praise, the other signifies enhancement or completeness. 

By remembering their meanings, examples, and key distinctions, you can avoid common errors and use each word with confidence in both casual and professional contexts.

Mangesh Belekar

Belekar Sir is the founder and lead instructor at Belekar Sir’s Academy, a trusted name in English language education. With over a decade of teaching experience, he has helped thousands of students—from beginners to advanced learners—develop fluency, confidence, and real-world communication skills. Known for his practical teaching style and deep understanding of learner needs, Belekar Sir is passionate about making English accessible and empowering for everyone. When he’s not teaching, he’s creating resources and guides to support learners on their journey to mastering spoken English.