“Complement” and “compliment” are easy to confuse. In fact, they come from the same Latin word, “complementum” which means “something that completes.” However, “complement” came to its meaning through English, while “compliment” evolved through Spanish, Italian, and French use before coming into English.

“Compliment” can be used as a noun or a verb to mean “an expression of praise.” Think of a compliment as a gift or a present. It’s simply saying something is good in some way.

• John paid Suzy a nice compliment on her new dress.
• The piano instructor compl...