complement
• noun /komplim nt/ 1 a thing that contributes extra features to something else so as to enhance or improve it. 2 the number or quantity that makes something complete. 3 a word or words used with a verb to complete the meaning of the predicate (e.g. happy in the sentence we are happy). 4 Geometry the amount by which a given angle is less than 90°. • verb /kompliment/ serve as a complement to. — USAGE Complement and compliment are frequently confused. As a verb, complement means ‘add to in a way that enhances or improves’, while compliment means ‘politely congratulate or praise’. — ORIGIN Latin complementum, from complere ‘fill up’.
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