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Jack Scholes

COMPLIMENT x COMPLEMENT

Whatever you compliment in another person you are strengthening in yourself also.

COMPLIMENT x COMPLEMENT

These two words have a very similar spelling, but completely different meanings.

TO COMPLIMENT

To say something very nice to somebody, to praise or to express admiration. If you compliment somebody you ‘pay them a compliment.’

• He complimented me on my excellent command of French.

TO COMPLEMENT

If one thing complements another, it goes well with it and makes it seem better or more attractive because they are together.

• Rice and beans complement each other perfectly.

Cf. 10 jeitos de dizer “Parabéns!” em inglês. Só não se esqueça do #3!

The adjectives are also often confused.

COMPLIMENTARY (ABOUT SOMETHING)

Expressing admiration or praise.

• She was very complimentary about his work.

The opposite is uncomplimentary.

• She said some rather uncomplimentary things about the meal I cooked.

Complimentary can also mean ‘free’, especially tickets, books etc. given by a business.

• We got two complimentary tickets for the concert.

COMPLEMENTARY

Useful or attractive together, especially colours, flavours, skills.

• The workers have different but complementary skills.

Cf. (SOMEBODY OR SOMETHING) ROCKS! O que isso significa?
Cf. SUCCESSFUL: muito mais do que só “bem-sucedido”
Cf. As palavras em inglês que você não precisa aprender
Cf. Choque cultural: por que não li este texto antes de viajar?

Gostou da dica? Conhecia a diferença entre “COMPLIMENT x COMPLEMENT”? Eu gostaria muito de saber a sua opinião. Por favor, envie sua resposta na seção de comentários abaixo. Obrigado!

Referência: “Gems of Wisdom – Inspirational Messages to Enhance the Quality of Your Life and Improve Your English” de Jack Scholes – Disal Editora, 2007. Leia a resenha. Adquira seu exemplar com comodidade e total segurança no site da Disal Distribuidora.