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complement

/ˈkɑmpləmənt/
noun
  1. Something that completes or makes perfect; a part that brings something to a whole or enhances it.
    • The new library is a wonderful complement to the university's resources.
    • The red wine was a perfect complement to the steak dinner.
    • Her calm personality is a good complement to his energetic nature.
  2. The full number or quantity needed to make something complete.
    • We need a complement of at least 12 players for the team.
    • The ship carried a full complement of 200 sailors.
    • The hotel has a complement of 50 rooms available for guests.
  3. In grammar, a word or phrase that completes the meaning of a verb, adjective, or noun.
    • In the sentence 'She is a teacher,' the word 'teacher' is a subject complement.
    • The adjective 'happy' can take a complement like 'to see you.'
    • A direct object is one type of verb complement.
Synonyms
supplementcounterpart
verb
  1. To add to something in a way that improves or completes it; to go well with.
    • A light salad complements the heavy main course.
    • His skills complement those of his partner on the project.
    • The scarf complements her outfit perfectly.
Synonyms
completeenhance
Antonyms
contrast
What does "complement" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean