Cool MateComplement vs Supplement
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Complement
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Supplement
Beyond 10,000 (less common)C1noun
Most common: Complement
| Complement | Supplement | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈkɒmplɪment/","/ˈkɒmplɪments/","/ˈkɒmplɪmentɪd/","/ˈkɒmplɪmentɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈkɑːmplɪment/","/ˈkɑːmplɪments/","/ˈkɑːmplɪmentɪd/","/ˈkɑːmplɪmentɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsʌplɪmənt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsʌplɪmənt/"]/ |
| Meaning | Something that goes well with something else or completes it. | Something added to help or improve something else. |
| Example | The excellent menu is complemented by a good wine list. | The textbook serves as a supplement to the main course material. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | noun |
| Collocations | nicely, well, perfectly | useful, valuable, colour/color, provide (somebody/something with), add, take, supplement to, useful, valuable, colour/color, provide (somebody/something with), add, take, supplement to, useful, valuable, colour/color, provide (somebody/something with), add, take, supplement to, additional, extra, $100, add, charge, carry, be payable, at a supplement, supplement for, supplement on |
| Antonyms | detract, contrast | reduction, diminution, lessening |
| 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 'complement', which means something that completes another., Using it as a verb when referring to physical items instead of additional support. |
| 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 contexts related to health, nutrition, and finance. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing specific dietary needs or financial advice. |
Frequently asked questions: Complement vs Supplement
What's the difference between Complement and Supplement?
Complement: Something that goes well with something else or completes it. Supplement: Something added to help or improve something else.
Which is more common: Complement and Supplement?
Complement is the most common in everyday English.
Are Complement and Supplement the same CEFR level?
Complement: C1, Supplement: C1 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Complement and Supplement interchangeably?
Not always. Complement and Supplement 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.