We’re back trying to unravel the complexities of commonly confused words. Do you have trouble correctly using complement vs. compliment? What about using complimentary and complementary? Do you want to learn more about them so you can show off how smart you are to your Facebook friends? Well then, let us enlighten you!

Compliment vs. Complement at a Glance

First, let’s take a look at the base form of compliment and complement. Like through, thru, and threw, these words sound the same, but what do they actually mean?

• Compliment is an expression of admiration or praise.
• Complement indicates that something completes or accompanies something else.

When To Use Complement

Complement, which is used as both a verb and a noun, means that a group of things pair well together. According to the Online Etymology Dictionary, complement comes from the Latin word for complete. If you consider that some things are incomplete by themselves, then you can better remember the meaning of complement.

Think about how nice shoes complete an ensemble. In this example, the outfit, which is paired with or complemented by the shoes, is not complete without killer footwear.

Examples of Using Complement in a Sentence:

• A sommelier is trained to know how food and wine complement each other.
• The color of her hair really complements her skin tone.
• An interior designer chose paint that complemented the wood floors.

When To Use Compliment

Are you ready to make your head spin? Compliment, a verb and noun meaning an expression of admiration, also comes from the Latin word meaning complete. Obviously, there had to be a close tie to complement, right?

The difference is that compliment used to mean to “complete the obligations of politeness.” So remember, when you are giving a compliment, you are being polite.

Examples of Using Compliment in a Sentence:

• Was that a compliment or a veiled insult?
• I constantly receive compliments on my handmade earrings.
• Jane complimented her mother for being such a great cook.

Complimentary vs. Complementary at a Glance

Let’s now look at the commonly confused words complimentary and complementary and if/how they differ from compliment and complement.

• Complimentary is the adjective of compliment. It can also mean free.
• Complementary is the adjective of complement.

When To Use Complementary

Complementary is the adjective form of complement, and they both carry the same meaning.

Examples of Using Complementary in a Sentence:

• The complementary characteristics of love and respect make a happy marriage.
• Colors opposite each other on the color wheel are considered complementary.

When To Use Complimentary

Complimentary is the adjective of compliment, so it is also used to express praise. However, complimentary can mean free of charge as well.

Examples of Using Complimentary in a Sentence:

– That complimentary remark about my job performance made me blush.

– She was glad that the soda was complimentary because she was out of money.

Compliment or Complement: Still Confused?

If you’re still confused about whether to use complement or compliment (or your long-term memory is bad), then take some ginkgo biloba and try to keep this in mind:

• When something compl-e-ments, it e-nhances.
• A compl-i-ment is pra-i-se.

Let us know if there are any clever mnemonic devices you use to remember these commonly confused words. Also, don’t forget to comment below and let us know which words trip you up!