Complement vs. Supplement

What Is Their Main Difference?

'Complement' and 'supplement' are used to show that something is added to another. However, 'complement' is something that is added in order to improve that particular thing, but 'supplement' indicates something extra and if it is removed, nothing will happen.

Differences

'Complement' is used to show that something extra is added in order to complete that specific thing. Look:

My mother always used to say that dark blue is the ideal color complement for red in clothing.

In order to complement your breakfast, you can have a small bowl of cereal.

'Supplement' is just adding something extra, without completion. If we simply remove it, nothing will happen to the main thing. Examine the following examples:

The short story is just a supplement to the main movie analysis books.

To supplement my current income, I decided to have a second occupation as a speaker.

Similarities

As mentioned above, both of these words are used to show that something extra is added. Study the following examples for more clarification:

I have also gathered some information on Criminology to supplement my knowledge.

I think adding a few flower vases will complement the dinner table.

Are They Interchangeable?

Although both of them are used to show something added, they cannot be used interchangeably. Compare the following examples:

The dictionary is just a supplement to the main book.

Here, the dictionary is just something extra and it is not needed to complete the book.

The dictionary is just a complement to the main book.

Here, the dictionary is necessary to complete the book.

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