What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
counterpart
Example
The CEO met with his counterpart from the competitor company. [counterpart: noun]
Example
The male nurse is the counterpart of the female nurse in this hospital. [counterpart: noun]
Example
The English word 'cat' has a counterpart in Spanish, which is 'gato'. [counterpart: noun]
complement
Example
The red tie complements the blue suit perfectly. [complements: verb]
Example
The salad is a healthy complement to the main course. [complement: noun]
Example
The team's diverse skills and expertise complement each other well. [complement: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complement is more commonly used than counterpart in everyday language. Complement is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while counterpart is less common and often used in specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between counterpart and complement?
Both counterpart and complement can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, counterpart may be more commonly used in professional or business settings, while complement may be used in a wider range of contexts.
