What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
supplemented
Example
I supplemented my diet with vitamins to ensure I was getting all the necessary nutrients. [supplemented: past tense]
Example
The teacher supplemented the lesson with a video to help students understand the concept better. [supplemented: verb]
complemented
Example
The red shoes complemented her dress perfectly. [complemented: past tense]
Example
The spicy sauce complemented the bland chicken, making it more flavorful. [complemented: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complemented is more commonly used than supplemented in everyday language. Complemented is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while supplemented is less common and is typically used in academic or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between supplemented and complemented?
Supplemented is generally associated with a more formal tone, while complemented can be used in both formal and informal contexts.