complementary

/,kɔmpli'mentəri/

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Word: Complementary

Part of Speech: Adjective

Basic Definition: The word "complementary" describes something that completes or goes well with something else. When two things are complementary, they enhance or match each other in a way that makes a whole.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "complementary" to describe two things that work well together or complete each other.
• It can refer to colors, ideas, qualities, or even people.

Examples:

1. Colors: "Yellow and blue are complementary colors; when mixed, they create a neutral gray."
2. Ideas: "His skills in design are complementary to her skills in marketing, making them a great team."
3. Relationships: "Their personalities are complementary; one is outgoing while the other is more reserved."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "complementary" can refer to concepts in various fields such as science, art, and business. For example: - In science, complementary colors can refer to colors that, when combined, cancel each other out. - In business, complementary products are items that enhance each other's value when sold together.

Word Variants:

• Noun form: Complement (something that completes something else)
• Other related adjective: Complemental (less commonly used)

Different Meanings:

1. Chromatic Colors: In the context of colors, "complementary" refers to pairs of colors that, when combined, produce white or gray. E.g., blue and orange are complementary colors.
2. Mathematics/Logic: In logic, terms can be complementary if one negates the other (e.g., "male" and "female").

Synonyms:

• Matching
• Supplementary
• Completing
• Harmonizing

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "complementary" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated with it, you might encounter phrases like: - "Two sides of the same coin" - This idiom suggests that two things are different but related and complete each other, much like complementary concepts.

Summary:

"Complementary" is a useful word to describe things that work together or enhance each other.

Academic

Adjective

1. acting as or providing a complement (something that completes the whole)
2. of words or propositions so related that each is the negation of the other
   • `male' and `female' are complementary terms

Noun

1. either one of two chromatic colors that when mixed together give white (in the case of lights) or grey (in the case of pigments)
   • yellow and blue are complementaries

Synonyms

• complemental
• completing
• complementary color