What is the Meaning of 'Complement' in Marathi?

Think of a 'complement' as two pieces of a puzzle fitting together. If two things complement each other, they are better together than they are apart.

• English: The red shoes complement her black dress perfectly. (The shoes complete the outfit).
• Marathi: लाल शूज तिच्या काळ्या ड्रेसला उत्तम प्रकारे पूरक (Purak) आहेत.

This is one of the most common spelling mistakes in English. You must look closely at the spelling (the 'e' vs the 'i'):

1. Complement (with an 'e'): Means 'to complete' or 'go well together'.

   • Marathi: पूरक (Purak).

2. Compliment (with an 'i'): Means 'to politely praise or flatter someone' (e.g., 'You look beautiful today').

   • Marathi: प्रशंसा करणे (Prashansa karne) or स्तुती (Stuti).

Memory Trick: Think of ComplIment (with an I) as 'I am praising you'. Think of ComplEment (with an E) as 'Enhancing' something.

In Marathi grammar, the part of the sentence that completes the meaning of the verb is called the Vidhey Purak (विधेय पूरक). In Geometry, complementary angles (which add up to 90 degrees) are called Koti Kon (कोटिकोण).