Definition of complement

The word "complement" has a rich history that dates back to the 15th century. It originates from the Latin words "compleare," which means "to fill up," and "plementum," meaning "a complement" or "a completion." In its earliest sense, a complement referred to something that completed or made perfect something else. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include the sense of something that harmonizes or enhances something else. For example, a complement to a meal might be a glass of wine that pairs well with the food. In modern English, the word "complement" is often used in a variety of contexts, including grammar, where it refers to a word or phrase that is used to complete the meaning of another word or phrase. It's also used in business and marketing, where a complement might refer to a product or service that enhances or enhances another product or service.