Complement Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Mathematics

• In geometry, the complement of an angle refers to what, when added to it, equals 90 degrees.
• Complementary angles help form right angles and are fundamental in various geometric constructions.
• Understanding complements is crucial in trigonometry, where they relate to sine, cosine, and tangent functions.

Language

• In grammar, a complement is a word or group of words that complete the meaning of a verb.
• For example, in the sentence 'She is a teacher,' 'a teacher' is a complement that gives more information about 'she.'
• The richness of a language often depends on the use of complements to enhance clarity and expressiveness.

Culinary Arts

• In food, some flavors are considered complements, enhancing the taste when combined, like peanut butter and jelly.
• Wine experts often discuss complementary pairings with food, where certain wines enhance the flavors of a dish.
• Understanding complements in cooking can elevate a dish from good to extraordinary by balancing tastes and textures.

Psychology

• In social psychology, compliments can boost self-esteem and create positive interactions between people.
• A belief in the 'complementarity principle' suggests that opposites can enhance relationships, such as introverts and extroverts complementing each other.
• Learning how to give and receive compliments can improve your social skills and enhance friendships.

Main points about word origin

• The word comes from the Latin 'complementum,' meaning 'that which fills up or completes.'
• It has been used in English since the late 14th century to refer to various forms of completeness.
• 'Complement' is often confused with 'compliment,' which refers to praise, but their roots are quite different.

The word 'complement' originated from Latin 'complementum,' meaning 'that which fills up or completes.' It entered the English language in the late 14th century. In mathematics, the term 'complement' was first used in the 17th century to refer to a number added to another to make a specific sum. In linguistics, the concept of complements has been studied extensively since the 20th century.

See also: complementary.

At #5,919 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

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• 5916 obstruction
• 5917 warehouse
• 5918 lending
• 5919 complement
• 5920 harsh
• 5921 socially
• 5922 hated
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