Complementary vs. Complimentary How to Choose the Right Word

Like the nouns and verbs  complement and compliment, the derived adjectives complementary and complimentary are easily confused. These word pairs are homophones; in other words, they sound alike but have different meanings. One describes a perfect partnership, and one expresses appreciation or praise. How to Use Complementary The adjective complementary  (with an e in the second syllable) means serving to complete or supply mutual needs: two or more parts that come together to make a better whole. Complementary acute angles are those that, when added together, make a right angle or 90-degree angle. Complementary colors of light, when combined, produce colorless white light. Complementary goods are those that go together: pen and paper, needle and thread, horse and carriage, bow and arrow. Complementary is derived from the noun complement, which means that which fills up, completes, or makes better or perfect. How to Use Complimentary The adjective complimentary  (with an i in the second syllable) means flattering or favorable or given free as a courtesy. Derived from the noun compliment, complimentary can be used to describe a person or an action by that person (a complimentary performance review means a positive performance review) or an item or service that is provided without cost (complimentary tickets means free tickets, often abbreviated as comp tickets). Examples Complementary is used to describe separate elements that together equal perfection, make a whole, or are supplementary or reciprocal. This adjective can be used to refer to people, other animals, objects, or concepts: Ive never seen a better complementary working partnership than that of Jess and Laura; they are a true yin and yang in our workplace.This wine and cheese are perfectly complementary. Complimentary is used in reference to flattering or praising someone or giving something away for free: Sonia was quite complimentary about your friendliness and warmth to her when her spouse was ill.The casino offers a complimentary buffet to gamblers.Most sports organizations provide at least two complimentary tickets per game to players, coaches, administrators, and full-time staff members. How to Remember the Difference When you want to describe something that is complementary, two or more parts that work together well, think of the word complete: Complementary things complete one another, and both have an e in their second syllable. Complimentary, with an i, means containing a compliment, which is an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration. Sources â€Å"Complementary.†Ã‚  Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster.Compliment. Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster.â€Å"Compliment, Complement.†Ã‚  The Chicago Manual of Style, 15th ed., The University of Chicago Press, 2003, p. 207.Complimentary. Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster.Fogarty, Mignon. â€Å"Complement versus Compliment.† Grammar Girls 101 Misused Words Youll Never Confuse Again, St. Martins Griffin, 2011, p. 35.