complementation: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1-C2 level)Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “complementation” mean?
The action of completing or making whole by providing a necessary or complementary part.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The action of completing or making whole by providing a necessary or complementary part; the grammatical relationship between a verb and its object or complement.
In biology, the interaction between two different strains of a virus to restore genetic function. In mathematics, a set-theoretic relationship. In genetics, the masking of a mutant phenotype by another mutant.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to specialist literature.
Grammar
How to Use “complementation” in a Sentence
Noun + of (complementation of the verb)Adjective + complementation (grammatical complementation)Verb + complementation (require complementation)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “complementation” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two departments complement each other perfectly.
- The sauce complements the flavour of the fish.
American English
- Our skills complement one another well.
- The furniture was chosen to complement the room's architecture.
adverb
British English
- The two systems work complementarily.
American English
- The colors were chosen complementarily.
adjective
British English
- They have complementary skill sets.
- The two theories are complementary, not contradictory.
American English
- We offer complementary services.
- They took complementary angles of analysis.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in strategic contexts: 'The complementation of our skills led to a successful partnership.'
Academic
Common in linguistics, biology, mathematics. 'The paper analyzes predicate complementation in Old English.'
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Frequent in specific fields. 'Viral complementation restored infectivity in the mutant strain.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “complementation”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “complementation”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “complementation”
- Confusing 'complementation' with 'compliment' or 'complement' (the verb/noun).
- Using it in informal contexts where 'combination' or 'pairing' would be more natural.
- Misspelling as 'complimention'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Complement' is a noun or verb for the thing that completes or the act of completing. 'Complementation' is the abstract noun for the process, relationship, or system governing how complements work.
It is not recommended. It is a specialist term. Use words like 'combination', 'pairing', or 'balance' instead.
No, that is 'compliment'. 'Complementation' is related to 'complement' (complete/make whole).
It involves the elements (objects, predicatives, clauses) that are required or permitted by a verb, adjective, or noun to complete its meaning, e.g., 'She made him happy' (him = object, happy = object complement).
The action of completing or making whole by providing a necessary or complementary part.
Complementation is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Complementation: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒm.plɪ.menˈteɪ.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːm.plə.menˈteɪ.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: COMPLEte + meNTATION → the process of adding what is needed to make something COMPLETE.
Conceptual Metaphor
PUZZLE PIECES (two parts fitting together to create a whole), LOCK AND KEY (a precise matching relationship).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'complementation' LEAST likely to be used?