complementary
komp-lih-MEHNT-ree
Complementary (adj) means combining well with something else so that together they form a complete or improved whole. Example: “Their skills are complementary — she's creative, and he's highly organized.”
adj
1
Combining well with something else so that together they form a complete or improved whole.
"Their skills are complementary — she's creative, and he's highly organized."
"The wine and cheese had wonderfully complementary flavors."
"The two designers had complementary strengths, so the team worked well together."
noun
1
An angle that, added to another, equals ninety degrees.
"A 30-degree angle and a 60-degree angle are complementary."
How to use complementary
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFitting together well with something else to make a better whole.
Common mistake
Easily confused with "complimentary," which means either free of charge or expressing praise. "Complementary" is about things fitting together.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
complementary colors
complementary skills
complementary angle
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Word forms
- Plural
- complementaries
- Comparative
- more complementary
- Superlative
- most complementary
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Their skills are _____ — she's creative, and he's highly organized.
Etymology
From complement plus -ary; a near-twin spelling of "complimentary," which instead relates to praise.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for complementary
See all rhymes for complementary →Frequently asked questions
What does “complementary” mean?
The word “complementary” means combining well with something else so that together they form a complete or improved whole. In plain terms, fitting together well with something else to make a better whole.
How do you pronounce “complementary”?
“Complementary” is pronounced komp-lih-MEHNT-ree (/ˌkɑmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/ in IPA).
How do you use “complementary” in a sentence?
Here is “complementary” used in a sentence: “Their skills are complementary — she's creative, and he's highly organized.”
What part of speech is “complementary”?
Depending on how it is used, “complementary” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “complementary” a common word?
“Complementary” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C1 level.
How many meanings does “complementary” have?
“Complementary” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: combining well with something else so that together they form a complete or improved whole.
What is the difference between complementary and complimentary?
Complementary means combining well with something else to form a complete or improved whole, as in complementary colors or complementary skills, while complimentary means given free of charge or expressing praise, as in a complimentary drink. The two words are pronounced alike but spelled differently and have unrelated meanings.
What are complementary angles?
Complementary angles are two angles that add up to exactly ninety degrees, a specific mathematical use of the word distinct from its general meaning of things that combine well together. This sense is common in geometry rather than everyday speech.
