Complimentary
* Meaning: Expressing praise or admiration.
* Usage: "She received a *complimentary* gift basket for being a loyal customer."
* Synonyms: praiseworthy, flattering, appreciative
Complementary
* Meaning: Something that completes or enhances something else.
* Usage: "The colors red and green are *complementary*."
* Synonyms: supplementary, supporting, enhancing, compatible
Here are some ways to remember the difference:
* Complimentary refers to compliments (positive remarks).
* Complementary refers to things that complement each other (go well together).
Example:
* Complimentary: "The waiter offered us a *complimentary* dessert." (He gave us a free dessert as a nice gesture)
* Complementary: "The red wine and the steak were *complementary*." (The wine and steak enhanced each other's flavor).