Complement vs Compliment

In its noun use, “complement” when used as a noun, means the right part, addition, or enhancement that completes something else. For instance, in the phrase “The scarf is a perfect complement to her outfit,” ‘complement’ is used to mean that the scarf will complete or enhance her clothing. However, the verb “complement” has a different meaning, meaning it refers to the act of making something complete or more effective. For instance, when you say, ‘The wine complements the cheese well,’ it means the wine improves the taste of cheese.

As a noun, “compliment” means a polite form of words said to someone as an expression of praise or admiration. For instance, ‘She was complimented for her new dress’ means she was praised or admired for her new dress. When used as a verb, the word compliment refers to the act of offering praise or showing regard, especially by words to a person or entity. For instance, the meaning of the phrase: ‘He complimented her on her excellent presentation’ is that he told her that she did a good job.