How to Pronounce compliment vs complement
Key Pronunciation Contrast
Homophones (⁄ˈkɑːm.plə.mənt⁄): a ‘compliment’ is praise, while a ‘complement’ completes or pairs well with something.
Contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄ˈkɑːm.plə.mənt⁄, semantic divergence
compliment
⁄ˈkɒmplɪmənt⁄
COM·pli·ment
An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.
complement
⁄ˈkɒmplɪmənt⁄
COM·ple·ment
The totality, the full amount or number which completes something.
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80 total video examplesFrequently Asked Questions: compliment vs complement
What is the difference in pronunciation between "compliment" and "complement"?
Homophones (⁄ˈkɑːm.plə.mənt⁄): a ‘compliment’ is praise, while a ‘complement’ completes or pairs well with something.
Where does the syllable stress fall in "compliment" vs "complement"?
"compliment" has 3 syllable(s) (com · pli · ment) with stress on "COM". "complement" has 3 syllable(s) (com · ple · ment) with stress on "COM".
Why do English learners often confuse "compliment" and "complement"?
Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄ˈkɑːm.plə.mənt⁄, semantic divergence. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.
What are example sentences for "compliment" and "complement"?
Example for "compliment": "pay someone a compliment" Example for "complement": "Queequeg sought a passage to Christian lands. But the ship, having her full complement of seamen, spurned his suit; and not all the King his father's influence could prevail."