To add a contrasting or supporting quality that makes another thing more complete or effective.
Reach for it when describing a fit in which each element improves the whole
The quiet illustrations complement the directness of the field notes.
| playful | |
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| everyday | |
| professional |
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| formal | |
| literary |
playful
round out
Fits when an addition fills the remaining gaps
Careful The near-completion idiom feels out of place in formal analysis.
everyday
Fits when contrast prevents one quality from dominating
Careful Balance may reduce or offset a feature rather than complete it.
everyday
pair with
Fits when two things are simply chosen to work together
Careful Pairing does not claim that either improves the other.
professional
Fits when one element increases another's quality or effect
Careful Enhancement can be one-sided, while complement suggests a fitting relationship.
formal
Fits when the added element supplies what was missing
Careful Complete is too absolute when the result merely becomes richer or better.
literary
harmonize with
Fits when elements combine in pleasing agreement
Careful Harmony misses productive contrast and can imply sameness.
complement each other
The two teaching methods complement each other across different learning needs.
perfectly complement
Tart berries perfectly complement the mild oat cream.
complement the design
Warm wood handles complement the design without hiding its industrial frame.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Wodencafe, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated
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