complementary

CEFRB2

/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/

adjective · noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    adjective

    Combining well with something else to complete or improve it.

  2. 02

    adjective

    Extra detail

    Of the specific pairings of the bases in DNA and RNA.

Examples

  • It is likely that these two consonants are in complementary distribution.

  • I'll provide you with some complementary notes to help you study.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
2
Citations
2

Deep Dive

adjective

Extra meanings
  1. Pertaining to pairs of properties in quantum mechanics that are inversely related to each other, such as speed and position, or energy and time. (See also Heisenberg uncertainty principle.)

  2. Acting as a complement; making up a whole with something else.

noun

Extra meaning
  1. A complementary colour.

More examples

In context
  • The two business partners had complementary abilities: one had excellent people skills, while the other had a head for figures.

  • They are highly complementary.

  • the hands of the most skilful and cunning complementaries alive

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

These two courses offer blank approaches to solving complex mathematical problems.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

adjective

From complement + -ary. Piecewise doublet of complimentary.