Definition

1. Noun:

   • One of two parts that complete each other: A "complement" is one of two things that go together perfectly to form a whole.
   • Something that completes or perfects something else: A "complement" is an addition that makes something else better or whole.
   • The full quantity or number needed: A "complement" is the total amount or complete set of people or things required.
   • A word or phrase completing a grammatical construction: In grammar, a "complement" is a word or group of words that completes the meaning of a subject, object, or verb.

2. Verb:

   • To make complete or perfect; to combine well with: To "complement" something means to add to it in a way that improves it or makes it whole.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The red wine was a perfect complement to the cheese. (The wine made the cheese experience complete and better.)
  • The ship had its full complement of officers and crew. (The ship had the complete number of required personnel.)
  • In the sentence "She is a doctor," the phrase "a doctor" is the subject complement. (It completes the meaning of the subject "She.")

• Verb:

  • The scarf complements her eyes beautifully. (The scarf adds something that makes her eyes look even better.)
  • This sauce is designed to complement the flavor of the fish. (The sauce completes the fish's flavor profile.)

Advanced Usage

• In Immunology: The term "complement" refers to a system of proteins in blood serum that aids the immune response.

  • The complement system helps antibodies clear pathogens from the body.

• In Mathematics: "Complement" can refer to what must be added to an angle to reach 90 degrees (complementary angle) or what is not included in a given set.

  • The complement of set A contains all elements not in A.

Variants and Related Words

• Complementary (adjective): Combining in such a way as to enhance or complete each other.

  • Their skills are complementary; one is creative, the other is analytical.

• Complementation (noun): The process of completing or the relationship of being complementary.

Synonyms

• Noun: accompaniment, supplement, counterpart, finishing touch.
• Verb: enhance, complete, offset, set off.

Related Phrases

• Full complement: The complete amount or number required.
  • The team is now at its full complement and ready to start the project.

Idioms

• To be a complement to something: To be the perfect addition or match for something.
  • His meticulous nature is a complement to her big-picture thinking.

Noun

1. either of two parts that mutually complete each other
2. one of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response
3. something added to complete or embellish or make perfect
   • a fine wine is a perfect complement to the dinner
   • wild rice was served as an accompaniment to the main dish
4. number needed to make up a whole force
   • a full complement of workers
5. a complete number or quantity
   • a full complement
6. a word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction

Verb

1. make complete or perfect; supply what is wanting or form the complement to
   • I need some pepper to complement the sweet touch in the soup