complementary

[ kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree, -tree ]

adjective

1. forming a complement; completing.
2. complementing each other.

noun

, plural com·ple·men·ta·ries.

1. complementary color ( def 1 ).

complementary

/ ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntərɪ; -trɪ /

adjective

1. acting as or forming a complement; completing
2. forming a satisfactory or balanced whole
3. forming a mathematical complement

   sine and cosine are complementary functions

4. maths logic (of a pair of sets, etc) mutually exclusive and exhaustive, each being the complement of the other
5. (of genes) producing an effect in association with other genes
6. involving or using the treatments and techniques of complementary medicine

Derived Forms

• ˌcompleˈmentarily, adverb
• ˌcompleˈmentariness, noun

Other Words From

• comple·menta·ri·ness noun
• uncom·ple·menta·ry adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of complementary¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; complement + -ary

Example Sentences

“We love mixing complementary colors, and the cyan and warm hues have visual elements that are part of the original film, but we’re also leading you into the musical side of this film when Lady Gaga begins to sing.”

From Los Angeles Times

"By combining their complementary expertise, the two companies plan to reduce development costs and scale new technologies more quickly," the two companies said in a statement.

From BBC

“There wasn’t any sort of semblance of complementary football,” said McVay.

From Los Angeles Times

The cousins’ complementary natures may have bonded them in their youth, and a genuine and abiding love clearly remains.

From Los Angeles Times

Ms Tan-Bantoto described it as a “complementary” food to a baby’s diet, which should not be taken “the whole day”.

From BBC

Related Words

• integral
• interdependent
• reciprocal