General Usage:
* The bright yellow flowers complemented the green foliage beautifully. (Meaning: The yellow flowers made the green leaves look even better.)
* Her new haircut perfectly complemented her elegant dress. (Meaning: The haircut made the dress look even more stylish.)
* The spicy salsa complemented the bland chicken perfectly. (Meaning: The salsa improved the taste of the chicken.)
Formal Usage:
* The research findings complemented the existing knowledge in the field. (Meaning: The new research added to what was already known.)
* The artist's use of color complemented the overall theme of the painting. (Meaning: The colors helped to express the main idea of the painting.)
* The two departments complemented each other's work, resulting in a successful project. (Meaning: The departments worked well together and helped each other achieve a goal.)
Figurative Usage:
* His wit complemented her sharp intelligence. (Meaning: Their personalities went well together.)
* The silence of the countryside complemented the peacefulness of the lake. (Meaning: The silence made the lake feel even more peaceful.)
Note: "Complementing" can be used as a verb (e.g., "The flowers are complementing the foliage") or as a participle adjective (e.g., "The complementing colors were a delight to the eye").