Complement Definition

kŏmplə-mənt

complemented, complements

noun

complements

Something that completes or enhances something else.

The wine was a fine complement to the meal.

Webster's New World

The amount or number needed to fill or complete.

Webster's New World

Something added to complete a whole; either of two parts that complete each other.

Webster's New World

An angle related to another so that the sum of their measures is 90°.

American Heritage

A word or group of words that, with the verb, completes the meaning and syntactic structure of the predicate (Ex.: foreman in “make him foreman,” paid in “he expects to get paid”)

Webster's New World

Synonyms:

verb

complemented, complements

To be a complement to.

A colorful scarf will complement the black dress.

Webster's New World

To complete, to bring to perfection, to make whole.

We believe your addition will complement the team.

Wiktionary

To provide what the partner lacks and lack what the partner provides.

The flavors of the pepper and garlic complement each other, giving a very rich taste in combination.

I believe our talents really complement each other.

Wiktionary

To change a voltage, number, color, etc. to its complement.

Wiktionary

Synonyms:

Antonyms:

Antonyms:
take away

Other Word Forms of Complement

Noun

Singular:

complement

Plural:

complements

Origin of Complement

Middle English from Old French from Latin complēmentum from complēre to fill out complete

From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old French, from Latin complementum (“that which fills up or completes”), from complere (“to fill up, complete”).

From Wiktionary