written by Lilian Ndongmo. ESL Teacher

What makes these words confusing?

1. Difference in spelling

Complement is spelled with an ‘e’ in the third syllable, while compliment has an ‘i’.

2. Difference in pronunciation.

Complement and compliment can be used both as nouns and verbs. The pronunciation of the noun is different from that of the verb. Let’s analyse this.

Complement (noun) is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced as

/kom.pli.ment/ complement (noun)

Complement (verb) is pronounced with the stress on the last syllable. It is pronounced as

/kom.pli.ment/complement (verb)

Compliment (noun) is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. It is pronounced as

/kom.pli.ment/  complement (noun)

Compliment (verb) is pronounced with the stress on the last syllable. It is pronounced as

/kom.pli.ment/  complement (verb)

You realise that the pronunciation of the noun forms and the verb forms of the words are the same.

This rise and fall of the pitch of your voice is called word stress. I will explain this in detail in my next post.

3. Difference in meaning

Complement: generally means to add to something; to bring two things together to make a complete whole.

Used as a noun:

1. Something or person that completes another thing or makes it perfect.

Example: This website is a complement to my job as an ESL teacher.

2. One of two parts needed to make a whole or to complete each other

Example: As husband and wife, they are a complement to each other.

3. A quantity or amount that completes something or makes a full number. (This is often used with the phrase “full complement”)

Example:  After the initial screening, what is left is a full complement of highly skilled workers.

5. The complete number of crew and officers needed on a ship

Example:  The marine commander’s complement totalled 500 men.

6. Used in grammar:  A word or group of words that follow a verb, a subject or a direct object in a sentence.

Example: Paul is an English teacher. (English teacher is the complement)

Note: There are two or three other meanings of this word which you find in a good dictionary. I have provided you with the most commonly used ones.

Used as a verb: 

1. To complete, make perfect, add to

Example: These shoes complement your dress.

Compliment has to do with expressing respect, congratulations, praise, good wishes

Used as a noun:

1. to express praise or admiration; show appreciation or approval

Example:  It makes employees happy when the boss gives them sincere compliments.

2. Express respect, regard in a formal way; acting in a civilised manner

Example: The student paid the old lady the compliment of giving her his seat.

3. Sending greetings or good wishes (usually in the plural)

Example: Please give my compliments to your wife.

 Used a verb:

1. To praise, congratulate or show admiration

Example: The teacher compliments the student on his brilliant performance in the exam.

2. To show kindness by doing someone a favour or giving a gift

Example: After the man saved her life, the rich woman complimented him by buying him a new car.

 Useful expressions

-To pay compliments (to someone)

-Return a compliment

-Take a compliment

 Check your understanding with this quiz.