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compliment, complement

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  Ed Good  —  Grammar Tips
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A compliment is a statement of praise or good wishes. A complement is something that goes well with another or completes it. In these meanings, the words act as nouns.

Both words can also be used as verbs. To compliment means "to say something nice, to congratulate" and to complement means "to go well with something."

Complement also has specific meanings in English grammar, math, music, healthcare, and sailing. In grammar, a subject complement is a noun following the verb to be or a linking verb.

Example: She was complimented for choosing the darker end tables as perfect complements to the sofa and chair.

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