Short answer
‘Compliment’ is used for giving praise or expressing admiration, while ‘complement’ refers to something that completes or fits well with something else. The two words sound similar but have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable in standard usage. 1 2 3
Both words are nouns and verbs, but ‘compliment’ relates to praise, while ‘complement’ concerns completion or enhancement; their similar pronunciation often leads to confusion.
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At a glance
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| Question | compliment | complement |
|---|---|---|
| Main meaning | Praise or admiration | Completion or enhancement |
| Typical context | Social interactions | Matching or fitting together |
The table summarizes the stated definitions and scope. 1 2 3
What each thing is
Compliment. In contemporary US English, ‘compliment’ refers to an expression of praise, admiration, or respect, either spoken or written, often directed toward a person, object, or achievement. 1 2
Complement. ‘Complement’ means something that completes, enhances, or fits well with another thing, making it whole or improving it; it can also refer to the act of completing or enhancing. 1 3
Key differences
The key difference is that ‘compliment’ involves expressing approval or admiration, while ‘complement’ refers to something that completes or improves another thing by fitting with it. 1 2 3
How to tell them apart
To distinguish them, ask if the word refers to praise (use ‘compliment’) or to something making another thing complete (use ‘complement’). This test works in most cases, though confusion can arise due to their similar sound. 1 2 3
Where they overlap
There is no overlap in current standard meanings, but their similar pronunciation and spelling often cause mix-ups. Historically, ‘complement’ once had meanings closer to ‘compliment,’ but these are now obsolete. 1 3
Edge cases
Some older or obsolete uses of ‘complement’ included meanings related to courtesy or ornamentation, but these are no longer current. Today, using ‘complement’ for praise is considered an error. 1 3
Why the distinction exists
Both words share Latin roots related to completion, but their meanings diverged over time. ‘Compliment’ developed a sense of expressing esteem, while ‘complement’ retained the idea of making something whole. 1 2 3
Common misconceptions
A common misconception is that ‘complement’ can be used for praise. In modern US English, only ‘compliment’ is correct for expressing admiration; ‘complement’ should be reserved for completion or enhancement. 1 2 3
Examples
She gave her friend a compliment on his cooking. The fresh herbs were a perfect complement to the dish. The first sentence uses ‘compliment’ for praise, while the second uses ‘complement’ for something that enhances. 1 2 3
Sources
Sources checked October 3, 2026.
- Merriam-Webster — Complement vs. Compliment: What is the Difference?. Usage guide: definitions, examples and exceptions.
- Merriam-Webster — Compliment Definition & Meaning. Dictionary entry: definitions, usage examples and word history.
- Merriam-Webster — Complement Definition & Meaning. Dictionary entry: definitions, usage examples and word history.