Words / B2

kompl-i-MENT-uh-ree/ˌkɒmplɪˈmentəri/

Complimentary means given free of charge, or expressing praise: a complimentary ticket; complimentary remarks. Complementary (previous) means completing — same sound, different spelling. A complimentary ticket is still a gift, not a sampling frame. Mix-up: complementary / complement. Do not write complimentary for two datasets that fill each other’s gaps.

Meaning

Given free of charge, or expressing praise.

Examples

• “A complimentary ticket is still a gift, not a sampling frame.”
• “A complimentary review still needs a named critic, which is the praising sense.”

Good to know

complimentary ticket / copy; complimentary remarks. Trap: complementary (completing). Media, business, and letters. Free, or praising — not “they fit together”.

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