La diferencia entre “Halago” y “Complemento”

“Halago” y “complemento” son fáciles de confundir porque ambos significados se relacionan con la expresión de positividad y suenan muy similares (es decir, son casi homónimos).

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Also Read: ¿Qué es un complemento de objeto? Una guía detallada gratuita

Compliment

“To compliment” means to give praise. For example:
- I would like to compliment you on your new haircut. ✔️
“A compliment” is an expression of praise. For example:
- She gave me a nice compliment about my painting style. ✔️

Complement

“To complement” means to enhance. For example:
- Your new haircut will complement your eyes. ✔️
“A complement” is an enhancement. For example:
- My mother only uses mustard as a complement for mashed potato. ✔️

More about “Compliment”

Como sustantivo, un “cumplido” es una expresión de alabanza. Particularmente cuando se usa con “mi”, a menudo se ve en la forma plural “cumplidos”. Por ejemplo:

Please give my compliments to the chef for such a wonderful meal.
When I said your eyes looked misty, I meant that as a compliment.
Tell the cook of this restaurant with my compliments that these are the very worst sandwiches in the whole world, and that, when I ask for a watercress sandwich, I do not mean a loaf with a field in the middle of it. (Playwright Oscar Wilde)
(“Compliments” means good wishes, regards, or respect.)

More about “Complement”

Un “complemento” es una mejora. Un “complemento” realza otra cosa o va bien con ella. Por ejemplo:

Cranberry sauce is a complement for turkey. ✔️
The cashew nuts were an excellent complement for the soup. ✔️
(The cashew nuts went well with the soup.)
The drums were a perfect complement to their dancing style. ✔️
(The drums enhanced their dancing style.)

“Complemento” también puede significar composición o maquillaje. (Con este significado, a menudo se ve en el término “complemento completo”, que significa “el número entero”). Por ejemplo:

Do you have your full complement of men? ✔️

The Verbs “To Compliment” and “To Complement”

Los ejemplos anteriores se relacionan con sustantivos. Sin embargo, ambas palabras existen como verbos.

I would like to compliment the pilot on such a smooth landing. ✔️
(I would like to praise the pilot.)
The jade and silver cufflinks complement the green tie. ✔️
(The jade and silver cufflinks go well with the green tie.)
He has worked hard for many years to break my record. I can only complement him for such terrific dedication. ❌
(This should be “compliment” not “complement.”)

Complimentary and Complementary

Los adjetivos “complementario” y “complementario” también causan confusión.

Complimentary

“Complementario” tiene dos significados. Quiere decir expresar elogio o gratis. Por ejemplo:

Her review was extremely complimentary. ✔️
(Here, “complimentary” means expressing praise.)
All drinks are complimentary. ✔️
(Here, “complimentary” means free.)

Complementary

“Complementario” se usa para describir cosas que se combinan para mejorar un resultado. Por ejemplo:

Our skills were different but complementary. ✔️

Ways to Remember “Compliment” and “Complement”

“To compliment” and “to praise” both contain the letter i.
“To complement” and “to enhance” both contain two e’s.