Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Acting as or providing a complement; completing something to make a whole: Describes something that serves to complete, enhance, or perfect another thing by supplying what is lacking.

Usage

• The word "complemental" is a formal adjective. It is used to describe a relationship where one thing perfectly completes or enhances another, often by providing a necessary or contrasting quality. It is synonymous with "complementary" but is less common in modern usage.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The two theories are complemental; one explains the cause, while the other explains the effect.
  • The author provided a complemental chapter to address the criticisms of the first edition.

Advanced Usage

• In a formal or technical context: Often used in academic, scientific, or literary writing.
  • The complemental nature of the two chemical processes ensures maximum efficiency.

Variants and Related Words

• Complement (n/v): Something that completes or goes perfectly with something else; to complete or enhance.
  • Wine is often considered the perfect complement to cheese.
• Complementary (adj): Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize each other's qualities. (This is the more common adjective form).
  • They have complementary skills in design and engineering.
• Complementarity (n): A relationship or situation where two or more things complement each other.

Synonyms

• Supplementary: Added to complete or enhance.
• Completing: Making something whole or finished.
• Correlative: Having a mutual relationship where one implies or complements the other.

Antonyms

• Contradictory: Mutually opposed or inconsistent.
• Incompatible: Incapable of existing together in harmony.

Related Phrases

• "complemental to": Used to indicate what something completes.
  • This evidence is complemental to the existing data, forming a complete picture.

Adjective

1. acting as or providing a complement (something that completes the whole)