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complement

com·ple·ment

complement

 
 
pronunciation:
kam pl mnt
parts of speech:
noun, verb
features:
Homophone Note, Word Parts
part of speech: noun
definition: something that goes well with a thing or makes a perfect addition to it.
Fruit would be a good complement for this meal.
synonyms:
accompaniment
similar words:
addition, crown
 
part of speech: verb
inflections: complements, complementing, complemented
definition: to go well with, complete, or perfect.
These lights complement her art work.
 
synonyms:
cap, complete, conclude, perfect
similar words:
finish, round out
Homophone Note
Are you looking for the word compliment (a flattering comment)? Complement and compliment sound alike, but they have different meanings.
Word Parts  About this feature
The word complement contains the following parts:
com- Latin prefix that means with, together
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The prefix com- attaches to Latin bases beginning with m, p, or b. It has multiple forms, as the 'm' sound in com- assimilates to the initial sound of the base to which it is attached. See the assimilated forms col-, con-, cor-, and co-. Note: com- is frequently an intensive prefix, as in "commemorate " and "command ."
synonyms:
syn-
 
ple, plen, plet Latin root that means fill up, fulfill
-ment Latin noun-forming suffix that means act, process, or instance of
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The suffix -ment attaches to Latin verb roots (e.g., doc, reg, sed) or to English verbs of Latin origin to form nouns.