Cool MateComplement vs Enhance
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Complement
Enhance
| Complement | Enhance | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒmplɪment/","/ˈkɒmplɪments/","/ˈkɒmplɪmentɪd/","/ˈkɒmplɪmentɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːmplɪment/","/ˈkɑːmplɪments/","/ˈkɑːmplɪmentɪd/","/ˈkɑːmplɪmentɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪnˈhɑːns/","/ɪnˈhɑːnsɪz/","/ɪnˈhɑːnst/","/ɪnˈhɑːnsɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪnˈhæns/","/ɪnˈhænsɪz/","/ɪnˈhænst/","/ɪnˈhænsɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that goes well with something else or completes it. | To improve something and make it better. |
| Example | The excellent menu is complemented by a good wine list. | The new software will enhance the overall performance of the computer. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | nicely, well, perfectly | considerably, dramatically, greatly, can, could, may, digitally enhanced, surgically enhanced |
| Antonyms | detract, contrast | degrade, diminish, reduce |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'compliment', which means to praise someone., Using 'complement' in the wrong context, like to mean 'complete'., Incorrectly spelling it as 'complement' when referring to praise. | Confused with 'enhancement' in noun form., Using 'enhance' without an object (it needs something to enhance)., Incorrectly using as a synonym for 'increase' in unrelated contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'complement' when talking about adding something that enhances or completes another thing. It's appropriate in both casual and formal contexts, but avoid using it in situations that require a different meaning like 'compliment'. | Used in both professional and casual contexts. More common in writing than speaking. Avoid in informal situations where simpler words may suffice. |
Frequently asked questions: Complement vs Enhance
What's the difference between Complement and Enhance?
Complement: Something that goes well with something else or completes it. Enhance: To improve something and make it better.
Which is more common: Complement and Enhance?
Complement is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Complement and Enhance?
Complement is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Complement and Enhance the same CEFR level?
Complement: C1, Enhance: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Complement and Enhance?
Complement: verb, Enhance: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Complement: The excellent menu is complemented by a good wine list. Enhance: The new software will enhance the overall performance of the computer.
Can I use Complement and Enhance interchangeably?
Not always. Complement and Enhance are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.