When to use "complement"

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 complemented her dress.
• Mark is shopping for the perfect wine to complement the lasagna he’s making for dinner tonight.
• The shades of blue and green complement each other nicely in Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Notice, objects complement other objects in these sentences. It’s rare for a person to “complement” something or someone.