complement versus compliment

By Mary Morel

complement

Complement means to complete, go with.

pepper and salt complement each other

compliment

Compliment means to praise. It’s also a formal expression of civility or respect.

I received a compliment about my hair.
compliments of the season

complimentary

Complimentary is used to mean something is free of charge.

She was offered a complimentary drink on arrival.

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