The words “compliment” and “complement” sound similar, but they have different meanings and are used in different situations. Let’s break down the difference in a simple way:

Compliment:  A “compliment” is a nice thing you say to someone to make them feel good. It’s like giving a positive comment or saying something nice about them. When you give a compliment, you’re expressing admiration or appreciation.

Examples:

• Your new dress looks beautiful on you! The color really suits you.
• Your hair looks amazing today! Did you get a new haircut?

Complement: A “complement” is something that goes well with something else, like pieces of a puzzle fitting together or items that complete each other. It’s about making things work together nicely.

Examples:

• The flavours of the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly complement the grilled chicken.
• The red curtains complement the beige walls in the living room.
• Blue and yellow are colors that complement each other.

So, in simple terms:

• A compliment is a nice thing you say to make someone feel good.
• A complement is when things go together well and complete each other.

Remember:

• Compliment has an “i” in it, just like “I like what you’re wearing.”
• Complement has an “e” in it, like “elements that complete each other.”

Both words are positive, but they’re used in different contexts. Giving a compliment is about showing kindness, while talking about complement is about things that go well together.