Complementary
/ˌkɑːmpləˈmɛntri/
adjectiveB2
Definition
Complementary describes things that match or fit together in a way that makes each one better or more complete. For example, two colors can be complementary if they look good together, or two skills can be complementary if they help each other. It means the parts work well by adding what the other part lacks.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Two things that improve or complete each other
- •Their skills are complementary, so they work well as a team.
- •The colors blue and orange are complementary on the color wheel.
- •A good diet includes complementary foods that provide all necessary nutrients.
Describing something that adds to or balances another thing
- •The complementary angles in geometry add up to 90 degrees.
- •The two businesses offer complementary services to their customers.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "complementary" like "good together," but more than just matching — they complete each other like puzzle pieces
- ✓Picture two colors on a color wheel that, when placed side by side, make each other look brighter and nicer
- ✓It's the feeling when you have a friend who is good at what you are not, so together you make a perfect team
- ✓Sounds like "COM-ple-ment-ary" → imagine a "COMpanion" who "comPLEMENTS" your skills or needs perfectly
- ✓Think of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches — different tastes but perfect when combined
- ✓NOT like "similar" (which means almost the same), complementary means different but fitting well together
- ✓NOT like "opposite" (which means very different and often conflicting), complementary means different but helpful to each other
- ✓NOT like "matching" (exactly the same), complementary means different parts that work together to make a whole
Try Other Words
- •Supplementary: adding something extra to complete or improve (Use when something adds extra help but may not fit as naturally)
- •Harmonious: working well together in a pleasant way (Use when focusing on smooth, peaceful combination)
- •Compatible: able to exist or work together without problems (Use when emphasizing no conflict between parts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "com-" (together) + "ple" from "plere" (to fill) + suffix "-mentary" (relating to)
- •Etymology: From Latin "complementum," meaning "that which fills up or completes"
- •Historical development: Entered English in the 17th century to describe things that complete or make perfect
- •Modern usage: Used in many fields like color theory, relationships, business, and mathematics to describe fitting or completing parts
Reflect & Connect
•Can two things be complementary if they are very different? Why or why not?
•How can understanding complementary skills help you work better in a team?
Fill in the blanks
1.Two colors are called complementary when they ___ each other and create a strong visual effect.
2.Their personalities are complementary because one is outgoing and the other is ___.
3.Complementary angles in geometry always add up to ___ degrees.
4.When two people have complementary skills, they can ___ tasks more easily together.
5.The two companies provide complementary services, so they ___ customers better.
6.You can say two things are complementary if they are not the same but ___ each other's needs.
7.When you mix complementary colors, the result is often ___ and bright.