What does complementation mean?
Complementation names the process by which one element completes or specifies another. In grammar, it most often refers to the relationship between a verb and its complement—the word or phrase required or chosen by that verb, as in “She found the key.” More broadly, it means the act of supplying something that makes a whole complete, balanced, or mutually enhanced. The term is chiefly formal and technical; in ordinary speech, “complement” is usually the more natural noun or verb, while “complementation” is preferred in grammatical analysis and in descriptions of close cooperation between elements. Its value is precision: it identifies not merely similarity but the functional link by which parts determine or complete one another’s meaning. For this reason, it appears in discussions of syntax, linguistics, and complementary systems more often than in casual conversation.
nounComplementation is the act or process of making something complete by supplying what is lacking, or the state of being completed in this way. In grammar, it more specifically denotes the relationship or process by which a complement completes or specifies the meaning of a word, especially a verb.
- In grammar, the relationship or process by which a complement completes or specifies the meaning of another element, especially a verb.
- The act or process of supplying something that makes a whole complete, balanced, or mutually enhanced.
- The state of being complemented or completed.
"In the sentence “She found the key,” the verb and the noun phrase “the key” are linked by complementation."
"In the sentence “She found the key,” the verb and the noun phrase “the key” are linked by complementation."
"The film’s visual style is in close complementation with its musical score."
The plural is possible for distinct instances or grammatical patterns, but it is much less common than the uncountable use.
"The course compares complementations of the verb in several varieties of English."
A verb and its complement are like two parts of a key: grammar calls their partnership complementation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does complementation come from?
Complementation was formed in English from complement plus the Latin-derived suffix -ation. Complement comes from Latin complementum, “that which fills up or completes,” from complere, “to fill up,” formed from com-, meaning “together” or “completely,” and plere, “to fill.” Its grammatical sense developed alongside the use of complement for a dependent element that completes or specifies another word’s meaning; French complément and Spanish complemento are Romance cognates.
How complementation is actually used
The term is chiefly formal and technical. It is most familiar in syntax and linguistics; in ordinary usage, “complement” or “completing” is usually more natural.
Easily confused with complementation
Complementation names the act or relationship of complementing, whereas a compliment is a courteous expression of praise.