Write Right: Complement versus Compliment

“Complement” and “compliment” often are mistaken for each other, much to the chagrin of anyone who knows (read: obsesses about) the difference between the two. It’s an easy mistake to miss, too; the words won’t be flagged by any spell check or grammar check. It’s yet another reason to remember the advice of most writers and editors: do not rely on spell check.

A good way to remember “complement” is to think of the word “complementary.” A complementary color for purple is yellow, green is red (Christmas!), orange is blue, and so on and so forth. The colors complement, i.e., enrich one another. They can stand alone, but the richness of their hues are brought about by being in proximity to one another.

A “compliment,” according to Webster, is “an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration.” It’s saying “job well done” or “that color is lovely on you.” Why is the color lovely on the person? Perhaps because it’s complementary to the person’s skin tone. That may, of course, be the logical explanation for the  compliment, but the compliment’s primary aim is to raise the esteem and confidence of that person.

How do you keep “complement” and “compliment” straight? Have a different word question for Write Right? Leave it in the comments or ask on the Facebook page or via the contact form.