These two words are pronounced the same, but they are spelled differently and have different meanings.

Compliment can be both a noun and a verb. A compliment is a positive comment about someone or something, for example: "You have beautiful eyes!"

And the verb compliment (or the expression "pay someone a compliment") means to make a positive comment:

He complimented me on my web design skills.

He paid me a compliment on my web design skills.

The adjective complimentary means "free":

At this hotel, breakfast is complimentary.

You get a complimentary cookie when you order coffee at that cafe.

Complement can also be a noun or a verb. If two things complement each other, it means they go well together; they make each other appear better.

That necklace is the perfect complement to your outfit.

My business partner and I really complement each other. We make a good team.

The adjective complementary means that two things are different, but go together well - you could say, "My business partner and I have complementary skills."

Fact
Emus and kangaroos cannot walk backwards, and are on the Australian coat of arms for that reason.      .. More >>