Complementary (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Of words or propositions so related that each is the negation of the other; "`male' and `female' are complementary terms".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The words "exist" and "not exist" are complementary, as the existence of one implies the non-existence of the other.
- The concepts of "finite" and "infinite" are complementary, used to describe two opposing and mutually exclusive states.
- In linguistic theory, the terms "necessary" and "sufficient" are complementary, describing conditions that together guarantee a particular outcome.
- The words "odd" and "even" are complementary in mathematics, used to describe integers that are mutually exclusive.
- The terms "truth" and "falsehood" are complementary, representing two opposing states of being that cannot coexist.
Meaning 2
Acting as or providing a complement (something that completes the whole).
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The warm colors of the painting provided a complementary contrast to the cool tones of the furniture in the room.
- The university offers a range of complementary courses to help students develop skills that are not part of their main degree program.
- The complementary angles of the roof allowed for a seamless integration with the existing architecture.
- The new employee's skills were seen as complementary to those of the rest of the team, and she was quickly made a part of key projects.
- The restaurant's free Wi-Fi is a complementary service that is greatly appreciated by its customers.