complementary
combining in such a way as to enhance or emphasize the qualities of each other
Word origin: From Latin complementum, that which completes (complere to fill up).
Complementary in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing complementary in a sentence.
Their complementary skills made them an exceptionally effective research team.
The two researchers brought complementary skills, one in fieldwork and the other in statistics.
Using “complementary” well
Complementary describes things that combine to enhance each other. Do not confuse it with the homophone complimentary, meaning praising or free of charge.
More GRE words starting with C
a small secret group plotting against a government or authority
having a hidden or mysterious meaning understood only by initiates
a harsh, jarring mixture of sounds
to obtain something by begging or sponging off others
falling off or shed at an early stage, especially of plant parts
to coax someone into doing something through flattery or persuasion
an event causing great damage, loss, or distress
misty, dim, or dark, and therefore obscure
Questions about “complementary”
Learn words the way the GRE tests them.
Vocabulary sticks when you meet it in real sentences. Practise these words inside text completion and sentence equivalence questions.