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complementary
[kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree, -tree]
noun
plural
complementariescomplementary
/ ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntərɪ, -trɪ /
adjective
acting as or forming a complement; completing
forming a satisfactory or balanced whole
forming a mathematical complement
sine and cosine are complementary functions
maths logic (of a pair of sets, etc) mutually exclusive and exhaustive, each being the complement of the other
(of genes) producing an effect in association with other genes
involving or using the treatments and techniques of complementary medicine
Other Word Forms
- complementariness noun
- uncomplementary adjective
- ˌdzˈԳٲ adverb
- ˌdzˈԳٲԱ noun
Word History and Origins
Origin of complementary1
Example Sentences
Without complementary requirements for hardening the homes themselves, widespread clearing of landscaping immediately around homes could do little to reduce risk and could even aggravate the danger.
The two economies are complementary as most trade is for products produced in both countries, said Emilio Cadena, CEO of Prodensa and chairman of the board of the U.S.-Mexico Foundation.
Camil’s perspective is among a comparatively vast and diverse chorus of American and Vietnamese voices comprising “Turning Point: The Vietnam War” — some famous, many ordinary, most complementary and others contradictory.
All the companies stressed they were committed to providing nutritious products for babies, and that their products were intended as a complementary part of a child's varied weaning diet.
He wrote that she displayed "the man-eating weed of Humanistic Mercy" that was "enabled by the feminist denial of the complementary design and callings of men and women."
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Related Words
When To Use
Complementary is an adjective used to describe something that complements something else—goes along with it and serves to make it better or complete it (as in complementary colors). Complimentary is an adjective that can describe something intended to be a compliment—a comment that expresses praise or admiration of someone (as in a complimentary remark). It can also be used to mean that something is given for free, as in I hope we get complimentary snacks on this flight.Since the primary senses of both words are generally used in positive contexts, it can be easy to confuse them.The easiest way to remember the difference is that complementary often involves something that completes something else, and complete also starts with c-o-m-p-l-e. On the other hand, you can remember that complimentary is spelled with an i because compliments are something that I like to get (and give). Nice shirt, by the way.Here’s an example of complementary and complimentary used correctly in the same sentence.Example: Sometimes, when the chef overhears complimentary feedback about a dish, she sends out a complimentary bottle of wine—one that’s complementary to the rest of the meal, of course.Want to learn more? Read about the difference between compliment and complement.
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