TOEIC Link Part 5: complement versus compliment
Complement and compliment are pronounced the same and differ by one vowel, but they carry unrelated meanings. Complement (with an e in the middle) means something that completes or goes well with another thing. Compliment (with an i in the middle) means an expression of praise. Part 5 drops them into business sentences where either could look plausible, so it checks whether you attach the spelling to the meaning. For the wider set of look-alike traps, start with the commonly confused word pairs master index.
The core rule: completing versus praising
- complement (verb or noun) = complete; pair well with. The new software complements our existing tools. / A strong résumé is the perfect complement to a good interview. It answers does it complete the set? — yes. Link the e to complete: a complement makes something whole.
- compliment (verb or noun) = praise; a kind remark. The client complimented the team on the design. / She received a compliment from her manager. It answers is it a nice thing to say? — yes. Link the i to I like it: a compliment is praise.
The single-letter memory hook does the work: e = enough to complete (complement), i = I admire it (compliment). Two products that complement each other earn compliments from customers — one word describes the fit, the other the praise.
Why Part 5 likes this pair
Both words slot smoothly into workplace sentences about products, teams, and feedback, so the pair tests whether you connect the spelling to the sense rather than guessing.
The wine list is designed to __ the seasonal menu.
Completing the pairing is complement.
Several guests paid the chef a __ on the dessert.
A kind word of praise is a compliment.
Spotting the clue
Decide whether the blank is about completion or about praise:
- Does the word mean to complete something or go well with it? → choose complement (a natural complement, colors that complement each other).
- Does the word mean to praise, or a remark of praise? → choose compliment (a sincere compliment, complimented the staff).
A quick test: can you replace it with "completes" or "pairs with"? Then it is complement. Can you replace it with "praise" or "kind words"? Then it is compliment. Watch also for complimentary, which means either praising or free of charge (a complimentary breakfast), while complementary means completing (complementary skills). When the sentence is about fit or completion, lean complement; when it is about admiration, lean compliment. For more pairs where one letter carries the whole difference, see the business and finance confusable pairs study guide.