Have you ever written, That outfit really … your eyes, and hesitated between compliment or complement?
You’re not alone.
These two words sound similar but have very different meanings, and using the wrong one can change your sentence entirely.
A compliment is praise, while a complement is something that completes or goes well with another thing.
The difference is small in speech but important in writing. Choosing correctly matters for emails, blogs, marketing, and academic work.
This guide will clear up the confusion. You’ll learn the quick answer, the origin of both words, British vs American usage, common mistakes, and real-life examples.
By the end, you’ll confidently know when to use compliment or complement.
Compliment or Complement – Quick Answer
The key difference:
- Compliment → praise or admiration
- Complement → something that completes or goes well with something else
Examples:
- Compliment:
She gave me a lovely compliment on my presentation. - Complement:
The scarf perfectly complements her dress.
Tip: If you’re praising, use compliment. If you’re talking about matching or completing, use complement.
The Origin of Compliment and Complement
Compliment
The word compliment comes from Latin complimentum, meaning courtesy or respect. It entered English in the 16th century and has always been associated with praise, flattery, or polite words.
Complement
Complement comes from Latin complementum, meaning that which completes or fills up. It also entered English around the 16th century. Its meaning has remained consistent: something that completes, enhances, or goes well with something else.
Key takeaway: Despite sounding alike, they have different roots, meanings, and uses.
British English vs American English Spelling
Unlike many words with regional variations, compliment and complement are spelled the same in both British and American English.
Comparison Table
| Word | British English | American English | Meaning |
| compliment | compliment | compliment | Praise or admiration |
| complement | complement | complement | Something that completes or enhances |
Key point: There is no spelling difference; only the meaning matters.
Which Spelling Should You Use?
Since there are no regional spelling differences, choosing the correct word depends entirely on context.
Use Compliment when:
- Praising someone
- Giving a polite remark
- Writing emails, cards, or feedback
Example:
I want to compliment you on your excellent work.
Use Complement when:
- Something enhances or completes another thing
- Talking about colors, skills, or objects that match
- Explaining relationships or combinations
Example:
The wine complements the cheese beautifully.
Writing for a global audience?
- Stick to the meaning rather than worrying about spelling
- Use compliment for praise, complement for completion or harmony
Common Mistakes with Complement or Compliment
1. Using compliment for matching items
❌ The blue tie really compliments your suit.
✔️ The blue tie really complements your suit.
2. Using complement for praise
❌ She complemented my hard work.
✔️ She complimented my hard work.
3. Mixing the two in the same text
❌ Her outfit complements her style, and I complimented her on it. (fine)
✔️ Make sure the praise uses compliment and the matching uses complement.
4. Confusing verb forms
- Compliment → compliment, complimented, complimenting
- Complement → complement, complemented, complementing
Tip: Pronunciation can confuse, so double-check the context.
Compliment vs Complement in Everyday Examples
Emails
- I wanted to compliment you on your presentation—it was excellent.
- This tool complements the software we already use perfectly.
News
- The CEO complimented employees for their dedication.
- The new policy complements existing sustainability measures.
Social Media
- I just want to compliment the chef for this amazing dish!
- This filter complements the photo colors beautifully.
Formal Writing
- The study compliments previous research in this field. ❌ (incorrect)
- The study complements previous research in this field. ✅
- We compliment the authors for their work. ✅
Complement or Compliment – Google Trends & Usage Data
Search interest in compliment or complement is high, particularly in:
- ESL learning
- Business writing and professional communication
- Academic writing
- Blogging and social media content
Regional Usage:
- United States: Both words are widely used; confusion occurs due to pronunciation similarity.
- United Kingdom: Same usage pattern; context matters.
- Global Searches: Many people look for clarifications online, making this a commonly researched pair.
Insight: Users often confuse the words in writing more than in speech.
Compliment vs Complement – Comparison Table
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
| compliment | noun/verb | Praise or admiration | He complimented her on the report. |
| complement | noun/verb | Something that completes or enhances | The sauce complements the dish perfectly. |
FAQs
1. Can I use compliment to mean match or complete?
No. That’s complement.
2. Can I use complement to mean praise?
No. That’s compliment.
3. Are there spelling differences between British and American English?
No. Both spellings are the same in all English-speaking regions.
4. How can I remember the difference?
- Compliment → praise someone (like giving a compliment card)
- Complement → completes something (think completes)
5. Which is more common in professional writing?
Both are common, but using them correctly is essential for clarity.
6. Can both be used as verbs?
Yes.
- He complimented her. (praise)
- The scarf complements her dress. (matches or completes)
7. What is the plural of compliment and complement?
- Compliments → multiple praises
- Complements → multiple items that enhance or complete
Conclusion
The difference between compliment and complement is easy once you know the rule.
Compliment means praise or admiration, while complement means something that completes, enhances, or goes well with another thing.
Both are correct and widely accepted in English.
To write clearly, focus on context. In emails, reports, social media, or formal writing, using the right word avoids confusion and ensures your message is understood.
There’s no British vs American spelling difference meaning is what matters.
Whether you’re praising someone or showing how two things work together, choosing compliment or complement makes your writing precise and professional.
I’m Ethan Hawkesley, a writer passionate about clear and correct English. I create practical articles on grammar, spelling, and word usage to help readers avoid common mistakes and write with confidence.
