verb , noun
■ verb
/ ˈkɒmplɪment; NAmE ˈkɑːm-/ [ vn ] to add to sth in a way that improves it or makes it more attractive :
The excellent menu is complemented by a good wine list.
The team needs players who complement each other .
➡ note at compliment
■ noun /ˈkɒmplɪmənt; NAmE ˈkɑːm-/
1.
complement (to sth) a thing that adds new qualities to sth in a way that improves it or makes it more attractive
2.
the complete number or quantity needed or allowed :
We've taken our full complement of trainees this year.
3.
( grammar ) a word or phrase, especially an adjective or a noun, that is used after linking verbs such as be and become , and describes the subject of the verb. In some descriptions of grammar it is used to refer to any word or phrase which is governed by a verb and usually comes after the verb in a sentence :
In the sentences 'I'm angry' and 'He became a politician', 'angry' and 'politician' are complements.
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English (in the sense completion ): from Latin complementum , from complere fill up, from com- (expressing intensive force) + plere fill. Compare with compliment .