French word

complémentaire

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃plemɑ̃tɛʁ/

Meaning

  • adjectivecomplementary

Example

Leurs idées sont complémentaires.

Their ideas are complementary.

Illustration for complémentaire (complementary)

More examples

Elle a souscrit une assurance complémentaire.

She signed up for supplemental insurance.

Core concept

Matching pieces that fill gaps and make a whole complete.

Common phrases

  • assurance complémentaire

    supplemental insurance

  • idées complémentaires

    complementary ideas

  • couleurs complémentaires

    complementary colors

Similar words

supplémentaire: Added to what already exists to remedy a lack or shortcoming.
compatible: Able to coexist without conflict or difficulty.
accessoire: Supporting a main thing in a secondary role.
secondaire: Not central, but occupying a supporting position.

Definition in French

Qui complète ou ajoute ce qui manque à quelque chose pour rendre l'ensemble plus complet ou harmonieux.

Word origin

Complémentaire is formed from French complément with the adjective suffix -aire, ultimately from Latin complementum, 'something that completes'.

Usage tips

  • Unlike English complimentary, complémentaire means completing or supplementing something, not expressing praise.

Other meanings

  • supplementaryadjective

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word