Complimentary vs Complementary: Meaning And Differences

Are you confused about when to use complimentary and when to use complementary? Well, you’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two, and help you understand when to use each one.

Let’s define the two words. Complimentary means free or given as a gift, while complementary means completing or enhancing something else. So, while they might sound similar, they have very different meanings.

Now, let’s dive a little deeper into each word. Complimentary is often used to describe something that is given for free as a gesture of goodwill. For example, a hotel might offer complimentary breakfast to its guests. In this case, the breakfast is free and is a way for the hotel to show appreciation to its guests.

Complementary, on the other hand, is used to describe something that completes or enhances something else. For example, a wine might be described as complementary to a certain type of food. In this case, the wine enhances the flavors of the food and makes for a better overall dining experience.

So, now that we’ve defined the two words, let’s explore when to use each one. Complimentary is used when something is given for free, while complementary is used when something enhances or completes something else. It’s important to use the correct word in the right context to avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear.

In the rest of this article, we’ll provide more examples of how to use these two words correctly, and help you understand the nuances of each one.

Define Complimentary

Complimentary is an adjective that describes something that is given for free or as a gesture of goodwill. It is often used to describe products or services that are provided at no cost to customers.

For example, a hotel might offer complimentary breakfast to its guests as a way of providing added value to their stay. Similarly, a business might offer complimentary samples of its products to potential customers as a way of introducing them to the brand.

Complimentary can also be used to describe a person’s behavior or attitude towards someone else. In this context, it means expressing admiration or praise towards someone.

For instance, a coworker might give a complimentary remark on a job well done or a friend might offer a complimentary comment on a new outfit.

Define Complementary

Complementary is an adjective that describes something that enhances or completes something else. It is often used to describe things that work well together or that have a harmonious relationship.

For example, colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel are said to be complementary because they create a pleasing contrast when used together. In the same way, a meal might be described as having complementary flavors when the different dishes enhance each other’s taste.

Complementary can also be used in a more abstract sense to describe things that balance or offset each other. For instance, a person might have a complementary skill set to their coworker, meaning that their strengths and weaknesses complement each other.

Complimentary	Complementary
Given for free	Enhances or completes something else
Expressing admiration or praise	Works well together or has a harmonious relationship
	Balance or offset each other

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the correct word in a sentence can make a significant difference in meaning and clarity. One common source of confusion is the difference between “complimentary” and “complementary.” Despite their similar spellings, these words have distinct meanings that are important to understand.

How To Use “Complimentary” In A Sentence

“Complimentary” is an adjective that means “expressing praise or admiration; given as a courtesy or for free.” Here are some examples of how to use “complimentary” in a sentence:

• The hotel offers complimentary breakfast to all guests.
• The restaurant provided complimentary drinks to celebrate our anniversary.
• The author received many complimentary reviews for her latest book.

As you can see, “complimentary” is often used to describe something that is given as a courtesy or for free. It can also be used to describe words or actions that express praise or admiration.

How To Use “Complementary” In A Sentence

“Complementary” is an adjective that means “combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other or another.” Here are some examples of how to use “complementary” in a sentence:

• The chef created a dish with complementary flavors and textures.
• The couple chose complementary colors for their wedding decorations.
• The two businesses had complementary services that allowed them to work together.

As you can see, “complementary” is often used to describe things that work well together and enhance each other’s qualities. It can be used to describe colors, flavors, services, and more.

More Examples Of Complimentary & Complementary Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the difference between complimentary and complementary, it is important to see how they are used in real-life examples. Here are some sentences using each word:

Examples Of Using Complimentary In A Sentence

• The hotel offers complimentary breakfast to all guests.
• The airline gave me a complimentary upgrade to first class.
• The restaurant provided complimentary bread and butter before the meal.
• The spa offers complimentary robes and slippers to use during your visit.
• The company sent me a complimentary sample of their new product.
• The hotel staff gave us complimentary champagne to celebrate our anniversary.
• The museum offers complimentary tours on the weekends.
• The hotel provided complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport.
• The magazine sent me a complimentary issue to preview their content.
• The hotel gave us a complimentary room upgrade for our honeymoon.

Examples Of Using Complementary In A Sentence

• The colors of the painting are complementary to each other.
• The new software is complementary to the existing system.
• The wine’s flavors were complementary to the meal’s spices.
• The two products work together in a complementary way.
• The music and visuals were complementary to the overall experience.
• The new furniture pieces are complementary to the room’s decor.
• The team members have complementary skills and expertise.
• The different flavors in the dish are complementary to each other.
• The two businesses have complementary services that can benefit each other.
• The colors and patterns in the outfit are complementary to each other.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words complimentary and complementary, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these words have distinct meanings and should not be used in place of each other. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using Complimentary When You Mean Complementary

One common mistake is using complimentary when you mean complementary. Complimentary means free or given as a courtesy, while complementary means enhancing or completing something else. For example, if you say “I received a complimentary copy of the book,” it means you got the book for free. But if you say “The colors of the painting are complementary,” it means they enhance each other.

Using Complementary When You Mean Complimentary

Another mistake is using complementary when you mean complimentary. This is less common, but it still happens. Complementary means enhancing or completing something else, while complimentary means free or given as a courtesy. For example, if you say “The restaurant offers complimentary bread,” it means the bread is free. But if you say “The colors of the painting are complimentary,” it means they enhance each other.

Confusing Compliment With Complement

A third mistake is confusing compliment with complement. Compliment means praise or admiration, while complement means something that completes or enhances something else. For example, if you say “I received a compliment on my outfit,” it means someone praised your outfit. But if you say “The wine is a great complement to the meal,” it means the wine enhances the meal.

How To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these mistakes, it’s important to understand the meanings of these words and use them correctly. Here are some tips:

• Look up the definitions of these words if you’re unsure.
• Use examples to help you remember the difference between complimentary and complementary.
• Proofread your writing to make sure you’re using these words correctly.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can use these words correctly and effectively in your writing and communication.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words complimentary and complementary can be a tricky task, as the context in which they are used plays a crucial role. Both words are often misused interchangeably, leading to confusion and misinterpretation in written and spoken communication.

Complimentary

The word complimentary is often used to describe something that is given or received for free, as a gift, or as a gesture of goodwill. It can also mean expressing admiration or praise towards someone or something. For example:

• The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast to all its guests.
• The manager gave me a complimentary ticket to the concert.
• The reviewer wrote a complimentary review of the new restaurant.

However, the word complimentary can also be used in a sarcastic or ironic manner, to imply the opposite of its literal meaning. For instance:

• After waiting for an hour, the customer received a complimentary apology from the rude waiter.
• The critic gave a complimentary review of the terrible movie.

Complementary

The word complementary is used to describe something that completes or enhances something else, or to describe two things that work well together. It can also mean expressing agreement or similarity. For example:

• The new curtains are a complementary addition to the room’s decor.
• The spicy sauce is a perfect complement to the bland dish.
• The two companies have complementary business models.

However, the word complementary can also be used to describe something that is secondary or subordinate, as opposed to being primary or essential. For instance:

• The company’s profits from its complementary products were overshadowed by its core business losses.
• The complementary characters in the story were not as well-developed as the main protagonist.

Therefore, it is important to consider the context in which these words are used, to avoid confusion and ensure clear communication.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between complimentary and complementary might change:

Context	Word Choice	Example Sentence
Hotel Services	Complimentary	The hotel offers complimentary toiletries to all its guests.
Art and Design	Complementary	The artist used complementary colors to create a harmonious composition.
Business Strategy	Complementary	The company’s new product line is complementary to its existing offerings.
Relationships	Complimentary	The couple exchanged complimentary remarks about each other’s outfits.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using complimentary and complementary are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. In Mathematics And Science

In mathematics and science, the terms complimentary and complementary are used in a different context than in everyday language. Complimentary angles are angles that add up to 90 degrees, while complementary colors are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. These terms have a specific meaning in these fields and should not be confused with their everyday usage.

2. In Certain Industries

Some industries have their own terminology and usage of the terms complimentary and complementary. For example, in the hospitality industry, a complimentary breakfast is a free breakfast offered to guests, while in the marketing industry, complementary goods are products that are used together. It is important to understand the context in which these terms are being used to avoid confusion.

3. In Certain Phrases And Idioms

There are certain phrases and idioms in which the terms complimentary and complementary are used in a specific way. For example, “complimentary remarks” are comments that express praise or admiration, while “complementary medicine” refers to alternative medical practices that are used alongside traditional medicine. These phrases and idioms should be understood in their specific context to avoid misusing the terms.

Overall, while the rules for using complimentary and complementary are generally straightforward, it is important to be aware of their specific usage in different contexts to avoid confusion or miscommunication.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the difference between complimentary and complementary, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. The following exercises will help you improve your usage of these two words in sentences:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (complimentary or complementary) to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences:

1. The hotel offered __________ breakfast to all of its guests.
2. The colors of her outfit were __________.
3. The two wines were __________ in flavor.
4. The hotel gave us a __________ upgrade to a suite.
5. The two pieces of furniture __________ each other perfectly.

Answer Key:

1. complimentary
2. complementary
3. complementary
4. complimentary
5. complement

Exercise 2: Writing Sentences

Write a sentence using each of the words (complimentary and complementary) correctly:

1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________

Answer Key:

1. The hotel offered a complimentary breakfast to all of its guests.
2. The colors of her outfit were complementary.

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of complimentary and complementary in your writing and speech.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that understanding the difference between “complimentary” and “complementary” is important for effective communication. Here are the key takeaways:

• Complimentary means expressing praise or admiration, while complementary means completing or enhancing something else.
• Both words have distinct meanings and should not be used interchangeably.
• Confusing these words can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications.

It is always important to carefully consider word choice when communicating, especially in professional settings. By continuing to learn and improve our grammar and language use, we can become more effective communicators and avoid common mistakes like confusing “complimentary” and “complementary.”