Free Sample – 600+ Confusing Words Explained E-Book

These two words are pronounced the same, but they are spelled differently and have different meanings.

COMPLIMENT (noun, verb)

Compliment can be both a noun and a verb. A compliment is a positive comment about someone or something, for example: “You have beautiful eyes!”

And the verb compliment (or the expression “pay someone a compliment”) means to make a positive comment:

• He complimented me on my web design skills.
• He paid me a compliment on my web design skills.

COMPLIMENTARY (adjective)

The adjective complimentary means “free”:

• At this hotel, breakfast is complimentary.
• You get a complimentary cookie when you order coffee at that café.

COMPLEMENT (noun, verb)
COMPLEMENTARY (adjective)

Complement can also be a noun or a verb. If two things complement each other, it means they go well together; they make each other appear better.

• That necklace is the perfect complement to your outfit.
  (complement = noun)
• My business partner and I really complement each other. We make a good team.
  (complement = verb)

The adjective complementary means that two things are different, but go together well – you could say:

• My business partner and I have complementary skills.

Instant download of text + audio. Clear up your doubts and use English words confidently!