Definition of 'complementary'

Word Frequency

complementary

(kɒmplɪmentri )

1. adjective [usually ADJECTIVE noun, Also v-link ADJ to n]

Complementary things are different from each other but make a good combination.

[formal]

To improve the quality of life through work, two complementary strategies are necessary.

Many plain tiles and complementary borders are also available.

He has done experiments complementary to those of Eigen. [+ to]

Synonyms: matching, companion, corresponding, compatible More Synonyms of complementary

complementarity (kɒmplɪmentærɪti ) uncountable noun

...the complementarity between public and private authorities. [+ between]

2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]

Complementary medicine refers to ways of treating patients which are different from the ones used by most Western doctors, for example acupuncture and homoeopathy.

...combining orthodox treatment with a wide range of complementary therapies.

Video: pronunciation of 'complementary'

Word Frequency

complementary in British

(ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntərɪ , -trɪ) or complemental

adjective

acting as or forming a complement; completing

forming a satisfactory or balanced whole

forming a mathematical complement

sine and cosine are complementary functions

4. mathematics, logic

(of a pair of sets, etc) mutually exclusive and exhaustive, each being the complement of the other

(of genes) producing an effect in association with other genes

involving or using the treatments and techniques of complementary medicine

Derived forms

complementarily (ˌcompleˈmentarily) or complementally (ˌcompleˈmentally)

adverb

complementariness (ˌcompleˈmentariness)

noun

Word Frequency

complementary in American

(ˌkɑmpləˈmɛntəri ; kämˌpləmenˈtərē)

adjective

acting as a complement; completing

making up what is lacking in one another

Also ˌcompleˈmental (ˌkɑmpləˈmɛntəl ; kämˌpləmenˈtəl)

Example sentences containing 'complementary'

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These are two superb, complementary performances. Times, Sunday Times (2016)It has many different and complementary pieces. O'Connor, Joseph & Seymour, John Training with N.L.P. (1994)But lots of patients also turn to complementary approaches. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Thus the approach taken in this book centres around the two complementary issues of attitude and skill. Atkinson, Jacqueline M Coping with Stress at Work (1988)Alternative explanations can be complementary rather than mutually exclusive. Christianity Today (2000)An independent charitable organization sponsoring and publishing research into complementary medicine. Martlew, Gillian & Silver, Shelley (ed) The Medicine Chest - your family's guide to prescription drugs (1988)This special issue reflects these two contrasting yet complementary aspects of the same world. Times, Sunday Times (2011)The increased choice that is granted to parents has two complementary virtues. Times, Sunday Times (2010)She added that much of the research by the two organisations was complementary. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Charity experts are highly complementary about the two mergers. Times, Sunday Times (2006)But are the two churches biologically complementary? Times, Sunday Times (2012)The two companies' products also look complementary. Times, Sunday Times (2007)That's one of the reasons for the growth in complementary medicines. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Doctors and patients need to make a clear distinction between alternative medicine, complementary medicine and conventional medicine. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Maybe one day the time will come when we will begin to think of the various forms of medicine as being complementary to each other. de Jong, Eveline Alternative Health Care for Children (1989)Will any complementary medicines help? Times, Sunday Times (2006)It is also proof that complementary deals are safer than far-reaching ones as companies seek to grow in these improved economic conditions. Times, Sunday Times (2014)It is therefore far too simplistic to regard complementary medicine as a single thing, opposed to an equally homogeneous orthodox approach. Dylan Evans PLACEBO: The Belief Effect (2003)The secret of their relationship, according to friends, is their different but complementary strengths. Times, Sunday Times (2006)He says: 'We are different and quite complementary. Times, Sunday Times (2006)This is where the idea of different, but complementary roles, for men and women comes from. Times, Sunday Times (2010)These days, when the term complementary medicine is being used, it always means to denote other forms of medicine being complementary to orthodox medicine. de Jong, Eveline Alternative Health Care for Children (1989)Generally and statistically speaking, men and women have different and sometimes complementary minds and abilities, just as they have different and sometimes complementary bodies. Times, Sunday Times (2009)