Difference between COMPLIMENT and COMPLEMENT

Difference between COMPLIMENT and COMPLEMENT Espresso EnglishThis is a free sample from the e-book  600+ Confusing English Words Explained. It will help clear up your doubts about how to use English words correctly, so that you can speak and write more confidently. Click here for more information!

These two words are pronounced the same, but they are spelled differently and have different meanings.

COMPLIMENT (noun, verb)

Compliment can be both a noun and a verb. A compliment is a positive comment about someone or something, for example: “You have beautiful eyes!”

And the verb compliment (or the expression “pay someone a compliment”) means to make a positive comment:

  • He complimented me on my web design skills.
  • He paid me a compliment on my web design skills.

COMPLIMENTARY (adjective)

The adjective complimentary means “free”:

  • At this hotel, breakfast is complimentary.
  • You get a complimentary cookie when you order coffee at that café.

COMPLEMENT (noun, verb)
COMPLEMENTARY (adjective)

Complement can also be a noun or a verb. If two things complement each other, it means they go well together; they make each other appear better.

  • That necklace is the perfect complement to your outfit.
    (complement = noun)
  • My business partner and I really complement each other. We make a good team.
    (complement = verb)

The adjective complementary means that two things are different, but go together well – you could say:

  • My business partner and I have complementary skills.

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Difference between COMPLIMENT and COMPLEMENT Espresso English

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