complement
Noun
Medium difficulty
What does “complement” mean?
noun.a thing that completes or brings to perfection.
SAT Usage
This term often appears in contexts related to arts, relationships, or food, emphasizing how one element enhances or balances another. It implies a harmonious relationship where one aspect is essential for the completeness of the other, distinguishing it from similar terms like "supplement," which suggests an addition rather than a necessary counterpart.
Common Confusions
Complement implies a necessary enhancement that completes something, while supplement usually suggests an additional element that enhances but is not essential for completeness.
Example Sentences
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A good wine can complement a meal beautifully.
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The complement of blue is orange.
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The complement of 01100101_2 is 10011010_2.
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The complement of 01100101_2 is 10011011_2.
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The complement of −123 is 123.
Word Parts: How to Remember “complement”
Break “complement” into its parts: co- (together, with). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.
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Prefix:
co-together, with (Latin)