Meaning & Definition of Complement in English

1. A word or phrase used to complete a grammatical construction

2. A complete number or quantity

• "A full complement"

3. Number needed to make up a whole force

• "A full complement of workers"

4. Something added to complete or embellish or make perfect

• "A fine wine is a perfect complement to the dinner"

• "Wild rice was served as an accompaniment to the main dish"

5. One of a series of enzymes in the blood serum that are part of the immune response

6. Either of two parts that mutually complete each other

1. Make complete or perfect

• Supply what is wanting or form the complement to

• "I need some pepper to complement the sweet touch in the soup"