Understanding the difference between complimentary vs complementary goes beyond common misspellings. Complimentary refers to something given for free or expressing praise, whereas complementary denotes something that completes or enhances another thing.
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What Is Complimentary?
Complimentary originates from the Latin word “complimentum,” which signifies something fulfilling or completed. From there, it turned into “complire” in Vulgar Latin, “complimento” in Latin, then finally “compliment” in the mid-17th century. The meaning also changed in 1722 when it became about giving rather than filling.
Currently, “complimentary” means something given for free or expressing praise, admiration, and encouragement. For instance, hotel rooms typically have complimentary towels, shampoo, and toothbrushes as a courtesy to guests. Teachers often give complimentary remarks (kind words) to outstanding students.
Examples:
- The hotel we’re staying at offered a complimentary breakfast to all guests.
- We got a complimentary champagne because it’s our honeymoon!
- Trinity was quite complimentary about your service.
- I had to come to this salon; I’ve heard such complimentary remarks!
- Broadway stars get two complimentary tickets so their friends or family can watch for free.
When and How to Use Complimentary
You use the word “complimentary” in two different situations.
First is when something is being given for free or when praising something. Items given away for free don’t just have to be physical to count; a hotel might offer complimentary toiletries or a complimentary extra night for those who stay often.
The second situation is if you are speaking positively about someone else. For instance, “My teacher gave me complimentary remarks.”
What Is Complementary?
The word “complementary” (adjective) also originates from the Latin word “complementum.” It took the same steps that “complimentary” did, except instead of turning into “compliment” in the 17th century, it stayed as “complement,” which means it also retained the meaning of that original Latin word.
Complementary denotes something that enhances or completes another thing. Harmonious, balanced, and togetherness are all words you can associate with “complementary.”
You might be familiar with this word all the way back in elementary school with the color wheel – complementary colors go together, bringing out the best in each other. You may also think of your coworkers and how all of your complementary skills create the best system at work.
Examples:
- His new suit featured a complementary tie.
- Complementary products are placed together to increase sales.
- We need to choose a paint color that is complementary to our carpet.
- The stretch and the burn sessions create a complementary workout to build muscle fast!
- This is the most complementary haircut for your face shape.
When and How to Use Complementary
Whether it’s design, science, or relationships, this word talks about the harmonious relationship between two or more things. For example, in interior design, complementary colors are chosen to create visual interest and balance in a space.
Understanding when to use “complementary” means you can recognize situations where different items work together to create a better system or to complete a project.
Complimentary vs. Complementary: What’s the Difference?
To put it simply, “complimentary” typically refers to something given for free or giving something praise, as in receiving complimentary tickets to a movie or a complimentary remark about one’s essay.
On the other hand, “complementary” describes elements that complete each other when combined, such as complementary colors in art or complementary skills in a team.
Trick to Remembering the Difference
Since they are only off by one letter, complimentary vs. complementary can be quite confusing. The good thing is that you can remember to use the correct spelling with these simple tricks:
“Complimentary” has the letter “i” in it, which is what you usually start off a complimentary sentence with – “I love your work” or “I like free things.” In short, whenever you admire somebody else’s work or if you really like receiving free things, use “complimentary.”
On the other hand, “complementary” has two “e’s,” just like the word “complete,” which tells you that complementary is about things that complete each other.
Final Thoughts
Knowing the difference between complimentary vs. complementary will allow you to speak and write as clearly as possible. Remember that although these words sound similar (homophones) and have a common etymology (that’s the history of words), they have different meanings. Whether in aesthetics, academia, or personal relationships, the word complementarity fosters harmony and completeness. On the other hand, complimentary focuses on praise or free offerings
