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Complement vs. Compliment

These two words are pronounced identically, which is exactly why they're so easy to mix up in writing.

Complement

To complete or go well together with something.

  • The wine complements the meal perfectly.
  • Her skills complement his in a way that makes the team stronger.
  • These colors complement each other nicely.

Compliment

A polite expression of praise or admiration.

  • He gave her a genuine compliment on the presentation.
  • Thank you for the compliment.
  • She blushed at the unexpected compliment.

Quick way to remember

"Complement" has an "e," like "complete" — think of it as things completing each other. "Compliment" has an "i," like "I" — think of it as something nice said to you.