complementary
Combining in a way that enhances or improves each other; forming a complete whole together.
Examples
In a meeting
“Their complementary skill sets make them an effective team — she handles strategy, he handles execution.”
Over coffee
“Red wine and dark chocolate are complementary flavors.”
Why this word
additional
Complementary implies two things complete each other or fill gaps, while additional merely means more of something
matching
Complementary suggests functional completion where elements enhance each other, while matching focuses on similarity or coordination
supplementary
Complementary means mutually completing to form a whole, while supplementary means adding to improve or extend something already adequate
Usage tip
Not the same as 'complimentary' (which means free or flattering). Complementary means two things complete each other.
Etymology
Latin complementum — com (together) + plere (to fill), literally 'filling up together'
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Related words
perpetual
Never ending or changing; occurring continuously.
ample
More than enough; plentiful and sufficient.
mutual
Shared by two or more parties; experienced or done by each toward the other.
versatile
Able to adapt or be adapted to many different functions or activities.
inadvertent
Not resulting from or achieved through deliberate planning; unintentional.
reciprocate
To respond to an action by doing something similar in return