“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 complimented Mark on his improvement.
• Her compliment completely turned my day around.

Of the two, “complement” is closer to in meaning to its Latin root. Remember, the sense of this word is one of enhancing or completing, not of praising.

Also, it takes two to complement. One thing must complement another thing, when being used as a verb.

• Suzy’s shoes comp...