--- title: C — The English dictionary with trees and pragmatics · page 54 description: The 1959 words of the English dictionary under C, every meaning for a pupil and every example with its dependency tree and pragmatics. --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/54/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [dictionaries](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/) / [English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/) / C # C — The English dictionary · page 54 [A](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/A/) · [B](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/B/) · [C](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) · [D](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/D/) · [E](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/E/) · [F](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/F/) · [G](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/G/) · [H](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/H/) · [I](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/I/) · [J](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/J/) · [K](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/K/) · [L](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/L/) · [M](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/M/) · [N](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/N/) · [O](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/O/) · [P](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/P/) · [Q](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Q/) · [R](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/R/) · [S](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/S/) · [T](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/T/) · [U](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/U/) · [V](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/V/) · [W](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/W/) · [X](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/X/) · [Y](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Y/) · [Z](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/Z/) [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) … [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/53/) **54** [55](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/55/) … [99](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/99/) **compel** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (formal) To force someone to do something, by law, rules or strong pressure (be compelled to).[↗](../../compel/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To cause a strong feeling or reaction (compel attention).[↗](../../compel/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The law compels drivers to wear seatbelts.[↗](../../compel/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Rain compelled us to cancel the picnic.[↗](../../compel/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · He felt compelled to tell the truth.[↗](../../compel/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · No one can compel you to say something untrue.[↗](../../compel/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The storm compelled the ship to return.[↗](../../compel/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · It was a compelling book I couldn't put down.[↗](../../compel/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · But it was no use; something stronger than himself compelled him to keep them there.[↗](../../compel/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel; for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.[↗](../../compel/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings EST.1.8, JPS 1917)[↗](../../compel/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **compelling** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* So interesting or exciting that you want to keep watching or reading.[↗](../../compelling/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* So strong or convincing that you have to believe or agree, like a compelling reason or argument.[↗](../../compelling/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (verb form) Forcing someone to do something.[↗](../../compelling/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The book was so compelling I couldn't put it down.[↗](../../compelling/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · There is compelling evidence that exercise is good for you.[↗](../../compelling/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · She gave a compelling reason for being late.[↗](../../compelling/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The film's story was compelling from start to end.[↗](../../compelling/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · His argument was compelling, so we agreed.[↗](../../compelling/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The detective found compelling proof.[↗](../../compelling/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Hunger was compelling them to keep looking for food.[↗](../../compelling/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **compensate** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To pay someone or give them something because they have lost something, been hurt or done work: «The company compensated the family for the damage.».[↗](../../compensate/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To make up for something bad or missing with something good: «His speed compensated for his size.».[↗](../../compensate/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (formal) To pay for work.[↗](../../compensate/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The airline compensated us for the lost suitcase.[↗](../../compensate/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · My glasses compensate for my poor eyesight.[↗](../../compensate/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · To add 99, add 100 and compensate by taking away 1.[↗](../../compensate/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · He worked extra hard to compensate for missing a week of school.[↗](../../compensate/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The shop compensated her with a free cake.[↗](../../compensate/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Nothing can compensate for losing a friend.[↗](../../compensate/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **compensated** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* If you are compensated, you are given money or something else to make up for a loss, harm or work.[↗](../../compensated/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* If one thing compensated for another, it balanced or made up for it.[↗](../../compensated/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The family was compensated for the damage to their house.[↗](../../compensated/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Passengers were compensated for the late train.[↗](../../compensated/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · His speed compensated for his size.[↗](../../compensated/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Workers are compensated for overtime.[↗](../../compensated/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · She was not compensated for her help.[↗](../../compensated/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The good ending compensated for the slow start.[↗](../../compensated/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **compensation** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Compensation is money or something else given to someone to make up for loss, injury or damage.[↗](../../compensation/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Compensation is something that makes a bad thing feel better: «The only compensation was the ice cream».[↗](../../compensation/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (formal) Compensation is the pay and benefits for a job.[↗](../../compensation/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The airline paid us compensation for the delay.[↗](../../compensation/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · She got compensation after the accident.[↗](../../compensation/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The only compensation for the rain was a cosy film.[↗](../../compensation/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · As compensation, the shop gave us a free toy.[↗](../../compensation/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The farmer asked for compensation for his damaged crops.[↗](../../compensation/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Workers want fair compensation.[↗](../../compensation/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · But what compensation did he get for having been imprisoned a whole year, and shut out from all communication with his fellow creatures?[↗](../../compensation/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **compete** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To compete means to try to win against others in a race, game or contest.[↗](../../compete/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To compete means to try to be more successful than others, for example shops competing for customers.[↗](../../compete/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* In nature, living things compete for food, water, light and space.[↗](../../compete/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Ten runners will compete in the race.[↗](../../compete/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Our school competes against other schools in football.[↗](../../compete/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Plants compete for sunlight.[↗](../../compete/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Shops compete for customers by lowering prices.[↗](../../compete/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · She competed in the spelling bee.[↗](../../compete/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · It's more fun to compete fairly.[↗](../../compete/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Birds compete for the best nesting places.[↗](../../compete/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · This was reported to the man who declared he would compete, ‘but,’ he said, ‘I shall let my servant run for me.’[↗](../../compete/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **competence** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Competence is the ability to do something well enough or properly.[↗](../../competence/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (formal) A skill someone has: core competences.[↗](../../competence/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* She showed great competence on the football pitch.[↗](../../competence/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Swimming competence is checked before the trip.[↗](../../competence/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The pilot's competence kept everyone safe.[↗](../../competence/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Reading competence improves with practice.[↗](../../competence/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The court questioned his competence to manage money.[↗](../../competence/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Her competence with computers helped the whole class.[↗](../../competence/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **competent** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Competent means able to do something well enough or properly.[↗](../../competent/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (law) Allowed or able by law to decide or act.[↗](../../competent/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* She is a competent swimmer now.[↗](../../competent/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · We need a competent adult to supervise.[↗](../../competent/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The doctor was calm and competent.[↗](../../competent/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · He's a competent cook but not a great one.[↗](../../competent/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Is he competent to sign the papers?[↗](../../competent/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Only a competent adult should use the chainsaw.[↗](../../competent/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · He engaged a competent dragon to look after her, and also a respectable griffin whose birth and upbringing he knew all about.[↗](../../competent/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **competition** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A competition is an organised event where people try to win, such as a race, a quiz or a contest.[↗](../../competition/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Competition is the situation when people or teams try to be better or more successful than others.[↗](../../competition/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* The competition means the people you are competing against.[↗](../../competition/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* I entered a drawing competition and won second prize.[↗](../../competition/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · There is a lot of competition for places on the team.[↗](../../competition/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The two shops are in competition with each other.[↗](../../competition/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Plants in a crowded garden are in competition for sunlight.[↗](../../competition/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The swimming competition is on Saturday.[↗](../../competition/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Our school won the quiz competition.[↗](../../competition/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The competition was tough, but she kept going.[↗](../../competition/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **competitive** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Wanting very much to win or to do better than others.[↗](../../competitive/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* Involving competition, like competitive sports.[↗](../../competitive/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (money) As good as or cheaper than others, like competitive prices.[↗](../../competitive/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* My brother is very competitive, even at board games.[↗](../../competitive/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Football is a competitive sport.[↗](../../competitive/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The shop has competitive prices.[↗](../../competitive/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Getting into that school is very competitive.[↗](../../competitive/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Our class has a competitive spirit on sports day.[↗](../../competitive/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Being competitive is fine, but be a good loser too.[↗](../../competitive/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The team played a competitive match against the champions.[↗](../../competitive/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **competitor** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A competitor is a person or team taking part in a race, contest or game, trying to win.[↗](../../competitor/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A competitor is a business that sells the same kind of thing as another business and tries to get its customers.[↗](../../competitor/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Forty competitors started the cross-country race.[↗](../../competitor/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Each competitor got a number to pin on their shirt.[↗](../../competitor/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The youngest competitor was only eight years old.[↗](../../competitor/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The bakery's main competitor is the new café across the road.[↗](../../competitor/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · She shook hands with every competitor after the final.[↗](../../competitor/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · There were 12 competitors, and 3 of them won medals.[↗](../../competitor/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The competitors waited nervously for the judges' scores.[↗](../../competitor/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **compilation** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A collection of things, such as songs, videos, facts or stories, put together in one album, book or list: «a compilation of funny animal clips».[↗](../../compilation/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* The act of collecting and arranging such things: «The compilation of the dictionary took years».[↗](../../compilation/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (computing) The process in which a program called a compiler turns code written by people into code the computer runs.[↗](../../compilation/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Dad bought a compilation of the greatest songs of the 1980s.[↗](../../compilation/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · We watched a compilation of the funniest football fails.[↗](../../compilation/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Our class made a compilation of favourite family recipes.[↗](../../compilation/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The compilation of the report took the whole weekend.[↗](../../compilation/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · The program would not run because of a compilation error.[↗](../../compilation/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · This book is a compilation of fairy tales from around the world.[↗](../../compilation/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · The yearbook is a compilation of photos from the whole school year.[↗](../../compilation/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · The whole of this literature was summed up by Somadeva, c. 1200 A.D. in a huge compilation entitled Katha Sarit Sagara ("Ocean of the Stream of Stories").[↗](../../compilation/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") **compile** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To collect information or things and put them together, such as a list, book or report.[↗](../../compile/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (computing) To turn the code a programmer writes into a program the computer can run.[↗](../../compile/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* We compiled a list of all the birds we saw.[↗](../../compile/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The teacher compiled our stories into a book.[↗](../../compile/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The code won't compile because of a mistake.[↗](../../compile/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · He compiled a playlist for the party.[↗](../../compile/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Scientists compiled the data from many tests.[↗](../../compile/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · A dictionary is compiled by many writers.[↗](../../compile/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · Finally, I have to thank those by whose kindness in waiving their rights to some of these stories, I have been enabled to compile this book.[↗](../../compile/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **complacently** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* In a pleased, too-satisfied way, as if nothing needs checking or improving.[↗](../../complacently/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* "That is all right," Smee said complacently.[↗](../../complacently/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · She sat complacently on her chair, sure she had won.[↗](../../complacently/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · He smiled complacently at his messy sums, without checking them.[↗](../../complacently/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") **complain** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* To complain is to say that you are not happy or not satisfied about something.[↗](../../complain/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* To complain to someone in charge is to tell them formally about a problem so they fix it.[↗](../../complain/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* To complain of a pain or illness is to say you have it.[↗](../../complain/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* To complain of someone is to tell someone in charge that they did something wrong.[↗](../../complain/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* He complained about the cold dinner.[↗](../../complain/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Stop complaining and help me carry this.[↗](../../complain/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · We complained to the shop about the broken toy.[↗](../../complain/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Grandma complained of a sore knee.[↗](../../complain/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · I can't complain; it was a great day.[↗](../../complain/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The neighbours complained about the loud music.[↗](../../complain/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · If someone is unkind, you can complain to a teacher.[↗](../../complain/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · She never complains, even when she's tired.[↗](../../complain/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · “I complain of Nibs,” he cried promptly.[↗](../../complain/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · Wherefore doth a living man complain, a strong man because of his sins?[↗](../../complain/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings LAM.3.39, JPS 1917)[↗](../../complain/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") · Evening, and morning, and at noon, will I complain, and moan; and He hath heard my voice.[↗](../../complain/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings PSA.55.18, JPS 1917)[↗](../../complain/#x11 "tree and pragmatics") · Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.[↗](../../complain/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings JOB.7.11, JPS 1917)[↗](../../complain/#x12 "tree and pragmatics") **complainant** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (law) A complainant is a person who makes an official complaint or brings a case to a court, saying they have been wronged.[↗](../../complainant/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (formal) Anyone who makes a formal complaint, for example to a company or school.[↗](../../complainant/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The complainant told the court what had happened.[↗](../../complainant/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · The judge listened to both the complainant and the accused.[↗](../../complainant/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The complainant asked for the money to be returned.[↗](../../complainant/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The company wrote back to each complainant.[↗](../../complainant/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · In the case, the complainant was a shop owner.[↗](../../complainant/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The complainant's name was kept secret.[↗](../../complainant/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **complainer** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A person who complains a lot, often about small things.[↗](../../complainer/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A person who makes an official complaint.[↗](../../complainer/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* My cousin is a real complainer; nothing is ever good enough.[↗](../../complainer/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Don't be a complainer — try the new food.[↗](../../complainer/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The complainer wrote to the council about the noise.[↗](../../complainer/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Even the biggest complainers loved the school trip.[↗](../../complainer/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · A complainer can spoil the fun for everyone.[↗](../../complainer/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · The shop manager listened to the complainer patiently.[↗](../../complainer/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") **complaint** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* A statement that something is wrong or not good enough.[↗](../../complaint/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* A reason for being unhappy.[↗](../../complaint/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* An official report that someone did something wrong (make a complaint).[↗](../../complaint/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* An illness or health problem (a skin complaint).[↗](../../complaint/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* We made a complaint about the broken toy.[↗](../../complaint/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Mum wrote a letter of complaint to the bus company.[↗](../../complaint/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · My only complaint is that the film was too short.[↗](../../complaint/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · The doctor treated her skin complaint.[↗](../../complaint/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Any complaints should go to the head teacher.[↗](../../complaint/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · No complaints — dinner was great\![↗](../../complaint/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · "Now, I'm tired of these complaints," said the Fire-drum.[↗](../../complaint/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") · As for me, is my complaint to man?[↗](../../complaint/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") (Writings JOB.21.4, JPS 1917)[↗](../../complaint/#x8 "tree and pragmatics") · I pour out my complaint before Him, I declare before Him my trouble; (Writings PSA.142.3, JPS 1917)[↗](../../complaint/#x9 "tree and pragmatics") · When I say: 'My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint'; (Writings JOB.7.13, JPS 1917)[↗](../../complaint/#x10 "tree and pragmatics") **complaisance** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Old use: politeness and a readiness to please others, being kind and obliging.[↗](../../complaisance/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* He showed complaisance by giving his seat to the old man.[↗](../../complaisance/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Good manners and complaisance make friends.[↗](../../complaisance/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Kindness and complaisance are often rewarded.[↗](../../complaisance/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") **complement** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* (verb) To complement something is to go well with it and make it better or complete.[↗](../../complement/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (noun) A complement is something that goes well with another thing and completes it.[↗](../../complement/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (noun) A full complement is the whole number needed, such as a full crew.[↗](../../complement/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* (maths) Complementary angles add up to 90 degrees; each one is the complement of the other.[↗](../../complement/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 5:* (grammar) A complement is a word or phrase that completes the meaning after verbs like «be», as in «She is a doctor».[↗](../../complement/#m5 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* The red scarf complements her black coat.[↗](../../complement/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Chips complement fish perfectly.[↗](../../complement/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · The complement of a 30-degree angle is 60 degrees.[↗](../../complement/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Our team has its full complement of eleven players.[↗](../../complement/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Blue and orange are complementary colours.[↗](../../complement/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Her quiet calm complemented his loud energy.[↗](../../complement/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") · In «The soup is hot», «hot» is the complement.[↗](../../complement/#x7 "tree and pragmatics") **complementary** — *Everyday, meaning 1:* Going well together and making each other better or complete.[↗](../../complementary/#m1 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 2:* (maths) Complementary angles add up to 90 degrees.[↗](../../complementary/#m2 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 3:* (art) Complementary colours are opposite each other on the colour wheel, like red and green.[↗](../../complementary/#m3 "tree and pragmatics") *Everyday, meaning 4:* Complementary medicine is treatment used alongside normal medicine.[↗](../../complementary/#m4 "tree and pragmatics") *Example:* Angles of 40° and 50° are complementary.[↗](../../complementary/#x1 "tree and pragmatics") · Blue and orange are complementary colours.[↗](../../complementary/#x2 "tree and pragmatics") · Their skills are complementary: one draws, one writes.[↗](../../complementary/#x3 "tree and pragmatics") · Find the complementary angle to 25°.[↗](../../complementary/#x4 "tree and pragmatics") · Complementary colours look bright side by side.[↗](../../complementary/#x5 "tree and pragmatics") · Salt and pepper are complementary flavours.[↗](../../complementary/#x6 "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/) … [53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/53/) **54** [55](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/55/) … [99](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/99/) - ← previous: [page 53](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/53/) - next →: [page 55](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/C/page/55/) - ↑ back to [The English dictionary](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/english/)