Complement / complementary / Compliment / complimentary
Different meaningsComplement and complementary are about completing or enhancing; compliment and complimentary are about praise. Complimentary can also mean free of charge.
Complement / complementary
Use when
Something completes, enhances or works well with something else.
Example
“The dashboard and written report provide complementary views.”
Compliment / complimentary
Use when
You mean praise or an admiring remark.
Example
“The Chair complimented the team and sent a complimentary note.”
Quick check
complimentary functions, complemented the team
Usage note