complement
Something that makes another thing complete or better, or goes very well with it.
Something that completes, enhances, or goes especially well with something else.
To go well with something and make it better or more complete.
To combine with something in a way that completes it or makes it more attractive, effective, or useful.
The full group or amount that is needed or usual in a situation.
The complete number or amount of people or things that is required or allowed.
In mathematics, all the items in the whole group that are not in a smaller group you are talking about.
In set theory, the set of all elements in a given universal set that are not members of a specified set.
In grammar, a word or group of words that you must add to a verb, noun, or adjective so that the sentence has a complete meaning.
In grammar, a word or phrase that is needed to complete the meaning of a particular verb, noun, or adjective.
- Base: complement
- Plural: complement, complements
- Base: complement
- 3rd Person Singular: complements
- Present Participle: complementing
- Past: complemented
a full complement of [something]
1the complete number needed
Used to say that you have the full number of people or things that you need or expect.
- We finally have a full complement of staff for the summer season.
- The plane took off with a full complement of passengers and crew.
a perfect complement to [something]
1ideal thing that completes something
Used to say that one thing goes extremely well with another thing and makes it better or complete.
- This sharp cheddar is a perfect complement to the sweet apple slices.
- Her technical knowledge is a perfect complement to his sales experience.
complement each other
1mutually complete or enhance each other
Used when two or more people or things go very well together and make each other better or more complete.
- Their personalities complement each other; she is patient and he is decisive.
- The sweet sauce and the salty meat really complement each other.
serve as a complement to [something]
1function to complete or support
Used in more formal English to say that something has the job of completing or supporting something else.
- The online course is designed to serve as a complement to classroom teaching.
- Local buses serve as a complement to the city’s train network.