- complement
- com|ple|ment1 [ `kamplə,ment ] verb transitive *1. ) to combine well with something, often something that has different qualities:The plants are chosen to complement each other.a simple sweater that was perfectly complemented by elegant jewelry2. ) to add another thing to something:This project is intended to complement, not replace, federal programs.complementcom|ple|ment 2 [ `kampləmənt ] noun count *▸ 1 something that is added▸ 2 something that combines well▸ 3 number something has/needs▸ 4 in grammar▸ 5 in mathematics1. ) something that is added to something else:complement to: Her youthful energy will be a welcome complement to the strength and experience of the team.2. ) something that combines well with something else:complement to: Our sauces are the perfect complement to any meal.3. ) the number of people or things that something has:complement of: the department with the largest complement of employeesfull complement (=the largest number possible or necessary): We already have our full complement of workers.4. ) LINGUISTICS in grammar, a word or phrase after a verb that tells you about the SUBJECT. For example, in He was cold, he is the subject, was is the verb, and cold is the complement. In He was a nice man, the complement is a nice man.5. ) TECHNICAL in mathematics, an angle that is added to another angle to form an angle of 90 degrees
Usage of the words and phrases in modern English. 2013.