complement
pronunciation
How to pronounce complement in British English:
UK [ˈkɒmplɪment , ˈkɒmplɪmənt]
How to pronounce complement in American English:
US [ˈkɑːmplɪment , ˈkɑːmplɪmənt]
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- Noun:
- a word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction
- a complete number or quantity
- number needed to make up whole force
- something added to complete or make perfect
- one of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response
- either of two parts that mutually complete each other
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- Verb:
- make complete or perfect; supply what is wanting or form the complement to
Word Origin
- complement (n.)
- late 14c., "that which completes," from Old French compliement "accomplishment, fulfillment" (14c., Modern French complément), from Latin complementum "that which fills up or completes," from complere "fill up" (see complete (adj.)). Originally also having senses which were taken up c. 1650-1725 by compliment.
- complement (v.)
- 1610s, "exchange courtesies," from complement (n.). Meaning "make complete" is from 1640s. Related: Complemented; complementing.
Example
- 1. Mr. zhu uses advisers to complement his own investigations .
- 2. Loyal workers and loyal capital complement each other .
- 3. Paint the walls in tones that are subtle , yet complement the design or color scheme of your cornerstone piece .
- 4. He must find a job to complement the household work .
- 5. In education , the big challenge is to complement quantity with quality .