compliment vs complement

Definitions

verb

1. say something to someone that expresses praise
2. express respect or esteem for

noun

1. a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration

Examples

Katherine found herself smiling happily as if the compliment were directed at her own home.

Masters is happy to return the compliment.

The second was rather less complimentary and said he was more non-League than World Cup winner.

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Definitions

noun

1. number needed to make up a whole force
2. a word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction
3. something added to complete or embellish or make perfect
4. a complete number or quantity
5. either of two parts that mutually complete each other

and more 1 ...

verb

1. make complete or perfect; supply what is wanting or form the complement to

Examples

The 886 Professional thermostat/reactor is said to be the ideal complement to the system for any kind of derivatisation.

But the two teaching modes have changed from opposition to complementation instead of a simple conversion.

So I expose them to the objective complement and the compellative, and then stand aghast at their behavior when they make all the mistakes that can possibly be made in using a given number of words.

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