COMPLEMENT


Meaning of COMPLEMENT in English

■ noun 'kɒmplɪm(ə)nt

1》 a thing that contributes extra features to something else so as to enhance or improve it.

2》 the number or quantity that makes something complete: we have a full ~ of staff.

3》 Grammar a word, phrase, or clause governed by a verb that completes the meaning of the predicate.

↘an adjective or noun that has the same reference as either the subject or object (as mad in he is mad or he drove her mad ).

4》 Physiology a system of proteins present in blood plasma which combines with antigen–antibody complexes and phagocytes to bring about the destruction of microorganisms and foreign cells.

5》 Geometry the amount by which a given angle is less than 90°.

■ verb 'kɒmplɪmɛnt add to (something) in a way that enhances or improves.

Derivatives

~al adjective

Origin

ME (in the sense 'completion'): from L. ~um , from complere (see complete ).

Usage

Complement and compliment (together with related words such as ~ary and complimentary ) are frequently confused. Complement means ‘add to in a way that enhances or improves’, while compliment means ‘politely congratulate or praise’.

Concise Oxford English vocab.      Сжатый оксфордский словарь английского языка.