Spanish word

complementar

Pronunciation

IPA/komplemenˈtaɾ/

Meaning

  • verbcomplement

Example

Este ingrediente complementa el sabor.

This ingredient complements the flavor.

Illustration for complementar (complement)

More examples

Las actividades extraescolares complementan la educación de los estudiantes.

Extracurricular activities complement students' education.

Core concept

Elements added to complete or improve a set.

Common phrases

  • complementar la información

    complement the information

  • complementar una dieta

    complement a diet

Similar words

mejorar: Make something perform better or be in better condition.
integrar: Incorporate parts into a system so they function as part of the whole.
añadir: Add a new element or item to what already exists.
completar: Fill missing parts to finish or make something whole.

Definition in Spanish

Añadir elementos que completan o enriquecen algo sin sustituir lo que ya existe.

Word origin

Derives from Latin complementum 'something that completes' via complementāre made from com- 'together' and plēre 'to fill'.

Usage tips

  • The verb usually takes a direct object (complementar algo) and can appear reflexively when two things enhance each other (complementarse).

Other meanings

  • completeverb
  • supplementverb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word