complementarity principle: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “complementarity principle” mean?
A fundamental concept in physics, particularly quantum mechanics, stating that objects possess pairs of complementary properties (like position and momentum) which cannot be simultaneously measured with full precision.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fundamental concept in physics, particularly quantum mechanics, stating that objects possess pairs of complementary properties (like position and momentum) which cannot be simultaneously measured with full precision.
A broader philosophical or methodological concept where two seemingly opposing or distinct theories, descriptions, or viewpoints are both necessary for a complete understanding of a system or phenomenon, as they complement rather than contradict each other.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is used identically in scientific contexts.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations. In extended use, it may carry a slightly more philosophical nuance.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general discourse. Used almost exclusively in academic physics, philosophy of science, and interdisciplinary theory.
Grammar
How to Use “complementarity principle” in a Sentence
The complementarity principle states/implies that...According to the complementarity principle, ...This is a manifestation of the complementarity principle.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “complementarity principle” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two theories complement each other in a manner that almost seems to principle complementarity.
American English
- The models complement one another, illustrating a kind of complementarity principle at work.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in strategic analysis: 'We view our online and physical stores through a complementarity principle, not as competing channels.'
Academic
Primary context. 'The complementarity principle is central to the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in physics. 'The experiment beautifully demonstrates the complementarity principle for which-path information and interference.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complementarity principle”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complementarity principle”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complementarity principle”
- Using 'complimentary' (meaning free or flattering) instead of 'complementary'.
- Treating it as a simple synonym for 'compatibility' or 'harmony', missing the crucial element of mutually exclusive modes of observation/description.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The Danish physicist Niels Bohr in 1927, as part of the Copenhagen interpretation of quantum mechanics.
No. Duality refers to having two aspects. Complementarity specifies that these aspects are mutually exclusive in any given experimental context, yet both are required for a complete description.
Yes, metaphorically. It is used in fields like biology (genotype vs. phenotype), psychology (conscious vs. unconscious), and social science to describe necessary but non-overlapping perspectives.
The double-slit experiment. When you measure which slit a particle goes through (particle property), you destroy the interference pattern (wave property). The two behaviours are complementary.
A fundamental concept in physics, particularly quantum mechanics, stating that objects possess pairs of complementary properties (like position and momentum) which cannot be simultaneously measured with full precision.
Complementarity principle is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Complementarity principle: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒmplɪmenˈtærɪti ˈprɪnsɪpəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːmpləmənˈtærəti ˈprɪnsəpəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's a matter of complementarity, not contradiction.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a coin: you can see HEADS or TAILS (complementary faces), but not both at once from one viewpoint. The 'principle' is that you need knowledge of *both* faces to understand the whole coin.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING FROM MULTIPLE ANGLES; REALITY IS A DUAL-ASPECT SYSTEM.
Practice
Quiz
In which field did the complementarity principle originate?