Complementary: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：go well together (complementary)

complementary 🔊

/ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i/

adj.

When two things go well together and make each other better.

Complementary colors explained: red and green paint mixing to create a neutral tone

go well together 🔊

➕

/ɡoʊ wel təˈɡeðər/

adj.

Describes two or more elements that combine in a way that each enhances the qualities or effectiveness of the other, creating a more satisfying or complete whole.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'complementum' (something that fills up or completes) + '-ary' (relating to).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of a 'complete-mentary': two parts that COMMENT on each other to make a whole story.

📖 Example

The complementary flavors of the sour lemon and sweet honey made the perfect lemonade. 🔊 The flavors that go well together—the sour lemon and the sweet honey—resulted in a perfectly balanced lemonade.

🔗 Collocations

complementary colors – Pairs of colors that, when combined, cancel each other out (produce grayscale) and, when placed side-by-side, create strong contrast and visual vibrancy.

complementary skills – Different sets of abilities that work together effectively to complete a task.

complementary angles – Two angles whose sum is exactly 90 degrees.

🔄 Synonyms

harmonious (adj.) – Forming a pleasing or consistent whole; free from disagreement.

synergistic (adj.) – Relating to the interaction of elements that when combined produce a total effect greater than the sum of the individual parts.

matching (adj.) – Corresponding in pattern, color, or design; similar and suitable for pairing.

🚫 Antonyms

conflicting (adj.) – Being in opposition or disagreement; incompatible.

contradictory (adj.) – Mutually opposed or inconsistent.

clashing (adj.) – Conflicting sharply; not in harmony.

🌱 Derivatives

complement (n./v.) – Something that completes or goes well with something else; to add to something in a way that improves it.

complementarily (adv.) – In a way that completes or enhances something else.

📖 Cultural Story

The term originates from the Latin 'complementum', meaning 'that which fills up or completes'. It entered English in the 17th century via French. In modern business and design, the concept of 'complementary goods' or 'complementary colors' is fundamental, describing items or hues that, when combined, enhance each other's value or effect.