Compliment versus Complement

It is very easy to get confused between Compliment and Complement. Compliment versus Complement. These words are pronounced the same way and have a difference of only an I and an E but that is what makes them different.

Compliment

Compliment means to praise someone and offer admiration towards someone.
E.g.

• The airline thanked the passengers for their help and complimented the captain on his initiative.
• Make a mental note of the colours you’re wearing whenever people compliment you on the way you look.
• I must compliment all of our employees for their support and commitment this year.

Complement

On the other hand when one thing complements the other; each of the two separate items functions or looks better because they are together: they both contribute something that enhances or improves the overall effect.
E.g.

• This sauce is a complement for the dish.
• The bread was a complement for the soup.
• Both of them complement each other perfectly.