complement

UK: /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/ | US: /ˈkɑːmplɪmənt/

Definition

  1. n. something that completes or enhances another thing

  2. vt. to add to something in a way that improves or perfects it

Structure
com <with, together>ple <fill>ment <noun suffix>
Etymology

Derived from Latin complēmentum, from complēre ("to fill up"), combining com- (intensive prefix) + plēre ("to fill"). The morpheme ple retains its core meaning of "fill," while com- emphasizes completeness. Over time, the word evolved from literal "filling up" to abstract "completion" or "perfecting addition" in English.

Examples

  1. The wine was a perfect complement to the cheese platter.

  2. Her skills complement his expertise in the project.

  3. The scarf complements her outfit beautifully.

  4. In grammar, a subject complement follows a linking verb.

  5. The two colors complement each other in the design.