Complement vs. Compliment: How to Remember the Difference

Annamaria writes:

Hi Snarky. I saw this in a brochure and I think there's a mistake in the caption. Can you please explain complement vs. compliment? I can never remember which is which. Thank you! 

Lots of people confuse these homophones, which are words that sound the same but are spelled differently and have different meanings.

Definitions:

• complement (v.) - to make complete; to fill out; to show off. That color complements your complexion nicely. The team's new wide receiver really complements the quarterback's throwing game.
• compliment (v.) - to make an admiring remark. She complimented his wavy hair.

Nifty Mnemonics:

• Visualize the first five letters of complement and its meaning. To complement makes something complete.
• Remember, to compliment puts someone in the limelight. 

Correction:

• With effective space planning, your Dallas home will not only create a tasteful environment but one that complements your lifestyle.

Complement vs. Compliment: Complete Scoop

Beer Drinker Rob (also known on Twitter as @DailyBeerReview) tweeted me:

@SnarkyGrammar perhaps you have before but maybe you could take up complement vs. compliment

No problem, Rob! As illustrated in this Twitter screenshot, many people mix up the spellings of these homophones, which are words that sound the same but have different meanings. While we're at it, we'll deal with their sisters, complementary and complimentary.

Definitions:

• complement (n.) - whatever is required to make something complete; a completing part. In Tom's sandwich, jelly is the complement to peanut butter.
  
• complement (v.) - to make complete; fill out. That belt complements your outfit nicely. The team's new shortstop really complements the infield.
• complementary (adj.) - completing. After we make the complementary changes to our report, we can call it a day.
  
  
• compliment (n.) - an admiring remark; an expression of flattery. The waitress considered it a compliment when Ben left her a big tip.
• compliment (v.) - to make an admiring remark. He complimented her beautiful blue eyes.
  
• complimentary (adj.) - free; at no charge; favorable. The hotel offered complimentary breakfast. The job applicant received many complimentary testimonials from former employers.

Nifty Mnemonics: 

• Mentally connect the first five letters of complement with its meaning. A complement makes something complete.
• Everyone likes getting compliments. A compliment puts you in the limelight. 
• You get a complimentary lime in your soda.

Correction:

• I should mention — I'm wearing @sweetlibertine tonight, and people compliment me on my awesome eye makeup