complement

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Something that goes well with another thing and makes it better or complete.

   A fine wine is the perfect complement to the dinner.

2. 2
   verb

   To go well with something and improve it or make it complete.

   The bright scarf complements her plain black dress.

3. 3
   noun

   The full number or amount needed to make something complete.

   The ship sailed with its full complement of crew.

4. 4
   noun

   In grammar, a word or words that complete the meaning of a verb and describe the subject or object.

   In 'She is a doctor', 'a doctor' is the complement.

From Middle English complement, from Latin complēmentum (“that which fills up or completes”), from compleō (“to fill up; to complete”) (English complete). Doublet of compliment. The verb is from the noun.

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