Grammar Mishaps: Compliment vs. Complement
72Complement: 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?
I agree. Thanks for reading. ;)
I compliment you on a hub well presented. I hope I got it right! LOL!
Yes, you did! I appreciate the compliment. I think it's a perfect complement to my other hubs. ;)
But you present the easy case. What about "compliments of the house"? Is the freebie making something perfect, or is it flattering the recipient?
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!
Thanks, Ben. I appreciate the comment!
So what's the answer to Alex's question?
The donuts were compliments of Jack? Or complements of Jack?
i guess we outsmarted him
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!
Connorgirl, your example is clearly complEment because together the angles make up a complete straight line.
![Bad grammar makes me [sic]](http://s3.hubimg.com/u/595850_50.jpg "Bad grammar makes me [sic]")
StuartJ says:
3 years ago
It is surprising how many people get this one wrong -- even in printed documents that should have been proof-read.