Complementary is a common word with a bit of a spelling challenge. It's often confused with its homophone, complimentary. The word Complementary means "completing or enhancing something by providing something that is lacking or needed." The IPA phonetic transcription for 'complementary' is /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ri/. The word is spelled with a 'C' instead of a 'P' and ends with an 'E' instead of 'A'. It can be remembered by the phrase "complementary colors" when discussing art and design.
Complementary is an adjective that describes something that completes or enhances another thing, making it whole or more effective. It refers to the relationship between two or more things that work together to achieve a desired outcome or improve overall functionality. When two things are described as complementary, they have qualities or features that balance out each other, resulting in a harmonious combination.
In the context of colors, complementary refers to hues that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as red and green or blue and orange. These pairs of colors are believed to enhance each other when used together, creating a striking visual impact. In this case, the term complementary represents the notion of balance and contrast.
Furthermore, in the field of medicine, complementary therapies or treatments are those used alongside conventional medical practices to support the overall well-being of a patient. These therapies, such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, or massage, are meant to complement traditional medical approaches by providing additional relief or addressing certain symptoms.
Additionally, the term can be used in the context of relationships or personality traits. For instance, two people may have complementary qualities that make them a well-suited match, where their strengths and weaknesses complement each other, leading to a balanced partnership.
Overall, the term complementary is used to describe the harmonious relationship between two or more things that work together to create a greater whole, enhance functionality, or provide balance.
Supplying a deficiency.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "complementary" originated from the Latin word "complementarius", which means "filling up" or "completing". It comes from the Latin word "completus", meaning "to complete" or "to finish". The term "complementary" first appeared in English in the mid-17th century, and it refers to something that completes or enhances another thing, often by providing what is lacking.