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complementary — combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌkɑːmplɪˈmentəri/

Example Sentences

  • My wife and I have complementary personalities - she's organized and I'm creative, which makes us a perfect team.
  • The hotel offered complementary wifi, but it was so slow that paying for faster internet seemed like a better option.
  • Red and green are complementary colors that work beautifully together in Christmas decorations.

complementary

ADJECTIVE

[/ˌkɑːmplɪˈmentəri/]

combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another

The chef pairs sweet wine with sharp cheese — complementary flavors that elevate each other.
💡 Concept

The chef pairs sweet wine with sharp cheese — complementary flavors that elevate each other.

COM(together) + PLE(fill) — pouring their opposite paints COM(together) to PLE(fill) the empty canvas, the artists created a complementary masterpiece.
🧠 Mnemonic

COM(together) + PLE(fill) — pouring their opposite paints COM(together) to PLE(fill) the empty canvas, the artists created a complementary masterpiece.

Even back in elementary school, the math genius and the art genius formed a complementary team.
🎵 Rhyme

Even back in elementary school, the math genius and the art genius formed a complementary team.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˌkɑːmplɪˈmentəri/
🇬🇧 UK/ˌkɒmplɪˈmentri/

🌳Etymology

Prefixcom--
Rootple
Suffix--ary

Origin

From Latin 'complementum' meaning 'something that completes or fills up,' derived from 'complere' (to complete). The word entered English in the 16th century through French.

Breakdown

complement (from Latin complere: com- (together) + plere (fill)) + -ary (adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to') = complementary

🎵Rhyme

elementarydocumentarymomentary
elementary
documentary
momentary

🔗Collocations

complementary colors
complementary medicine
complementary skills
complementary therapy
complementary services
complementary breakfast

📝Examples

“My wife and I have complementary personalities - she's organized and I'm creative, which makes us a perfect team.”

😄 Fun example

“The hotel offered complementary wifi, but it was so slow that paying for faster internet seemed like a better option.”

“Red and green are complementary colors that work beautifully together in Christmas decorations.”

😄 Fun example

“The spa's complementary herbal tea was so relaxing that I almost forgot I was paying $200 for the massage.”

📚Related Words

Synonyms

supplementaryadditionalmatchingcorrespondingharmonious

Antonyms

conflictingcontradictoryincompatible

Related

complementcompletesupplementenhanceharmonize

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