Dictionary Home » Dictionary Definitions » complement

complement

Listen See in Thesaurus See in a sentence

The definition of a complement is something that makes something else complete.

(noun)

An example of complement is a set of jewelry that makes an outfit look finished.

Complement means to make something complete.

(verb)

An example of complement is to add jewelry to a dress to finish the look.

See complement in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

that which completes or brings to perfection
the amount or number needed to fill or complete
a complete set; entirety
something added to complete a whole; either of two parts that complete each other
Gram. a word or group of words that, with the verb, completes the meaning and syntactic structure of the predicate (Ex.: foreman in “make him foreman,” paid in “he expects to get paid”)
Immunology a complex series of proteins in the blood plasma that acts with specific antibodies to destroy corresponding antigens, as bacteria or foreign proteins
Math.
1. the number of degrees that must be added to a given angle or arc to make it equal 90 degrees
2. the subset which must be added to any given subset to yield the original set
Music the difference between a given interval and the complete octave
Naut. all of a ship's personnel, including the officers, required to operate a ship

Origin: ME < L complementum, that which fills up or completes < complere: see complete

transitive verb

to make complete; be a complement to

See complement in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. Something that completes, makes up a whole, or brings to perfection.
b. The quantity or number needed to make up a whole: shelves with a full complement of books.
c. Either of two parts that complete the whole or mutually complete each other.
An angle related to another so that the sum of their measures is 90°.
Grammar A word or words used to complete a predicate construction, especially the object or indirect object of a verb; for example, the phrase to eat ice cream in We like to eat ice cream.
Music An interval that completes an octave when added to a given interval.
The full crew of officers and enlisted personnel required to run a ship.
Immunology A complex system of proteins found in normal blood plasma that combines with antibodies to destroy pathogenic bacteria and other foreign cells. Also called alexin.
Mathematics & Logic For a universal set, the set of all elements in the set that are not in a specified subset.
A complementary color.

transitive verb (-mĕntˌ) com·ple·ment·ed, com·ple·ment·ing, com·ple·ments

To serve as a complement to: Roses in a silver bowl complement the handsome cherry table.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Latin complēmentum

Origin: , from complēre, to fill out; see complete

Usage Note: Complement and compliment, though quite distinct in meaning, are sometimes confused because they are pronounced the same. As a noun, complement means “something that completes or brings to perfection” (The antique silver was a complement to the beautifully set table); used as a verb it means “to serve as a complement to.” The noun compliment means “an expression or act of courtesy or praise” (They gave us a compliment on our beautifully set table), while the verb means “to pay a compliment to.”

Learn more about complement

complement synonyms

complement computer definition

complement medical definition

complement science

complement in a sentence

complement quotes

Related Articles

What Is an Adjective?

Verb Phrase Examples

link/cite print suggestion box