Definition

1. Noun:
   • A color that, when combined with another specific color in the correct proportions, produces a neutral color (white or gray): In color theory, a complementary color is one of a pair of colors that are opposite each other on a color wheel. When mixed as light (additive color mixing), they produce white. When mixed as pigments or dyes (subtractive color mixing), they produce a neutral gray or black.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • In painting, using a complementary color in the shadows can make a subject appear more vibrant.
  • Red and cyan are complementary colors in the RGB color model used for light.
  • The artist used a splash of the complementary color to create visual tension in the composition.

Advanced Usage

• "to be complementary to": Describes the relationship between two colors that are opposites on the color wheel.
  • Green is complementary to red on the traditional color wheel.
• Concept of "Simultaneous Contrast": The visual effect where two complementary colors, when placed side by side, appear more intense and vivid.
  • The simultaneous contrast of the orange and blue made the advertisement pop.

Variants and Related Words

• Complement (verb): To complete or enhance something by providing a contrasting or balancing element.
  • The dark wood trim complements the light walls.
• Complementary (adjective): Combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other.
  • They have complementary skills, making them a great team.
• Color Wheel (noun): A circular diagram of colors arranged by their chromatic relationship, used to identify complementary pairs.

Synonyms

• Opposite color: A less technical term for a color directly across from another on a color wheel.
• Contrasting color: A color that differs sharply from another, often (but not always) referring to complementary pairs.

Related Phrases

• Complementary color scheme: A color scheme based on the use of two colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.
  • The website uses a bold complementary color scheme of purple and yellow.
• Split-complementary color scheme: A color scheme that uses a base color and the two colors adjacent to its complement. (Note: This is a related, compound concept.)
  • A split-complementary scheme offers strong visual contrast but is less jarring than a direct complementary scheme.

Related Idioms

Noun

1. either one of two chromatic colors that when mixed together give white (in the case of lights) or grey (in the case of pigments)
   • yellow and blue are complementaries