Question

read the definitions.

com = with
ple = to complete
pli = to be courteous, to comply with
-ment = an action or object

which sentence uses the underlined word correctly?

• the silk curtains were a nice compliment to the tall windows.
• she appreciated his effort and paid him a nice complement.
• the necklace was a perfect complement to her outfit.
• the design of the building complimented its intended purpose.

Explanation:

Analyze the given word roots and affixes

Using the Etymology, Word Roots, Morphology, and Affixes and Roots knowledge points

• \(com-\) means "with"
• \(-ple-\) means "to complete"
• \(-pli-\) means "to be courteous, to comply with"
• \(-ment\) means "an action or object"

Construct the definitions of the target words

Using the Etymology, Word Roots, Morphology, and Affixes and Roots knowledge points

• Complement (\(com-\) + \(-ple-\) + \(-ment\)): An action or object that goes "with" something to "complete" it.
• Compliment (\(com-\) + \(-pli-\) + \(-ment\)): An action or expression of being "courteous" or showing respect/praise.

Evaluate each sentence option

• Option 1: "The silk curtains were a nice compliment to the tall windows."
• Context: The curtains go well with and complete the look of the windows. This requires "complement" (completing), so "compliment" is incorrect.
• Option 2: "She appreciated his effort and paid him a nice complement."
• Context: She gave him a courteous expression of praise. This requires "compliment" (courteous), so "complement" is incorrect.
• Option 3: "The necklace was a perfect complement to her outfit."
• Context: The necklace goes with and completes her outfit. This correctly uses "complement" (completing).
• Option 4: "The design of the building complimented its intended purpose."
• Context: The design goes well with and completes the purpose. This requires "complemented" (completed), so "complimented" is incorrect.

Identify the correct sentence

• Option 3 uses the word "complement" correctly to mean something that completes or brings to perfection.

Answer:

• (A) The silk curtains were a nice compliment to the tall windows.
• (B) She appreciated his effort and paid him a nice complement.
• (C) The necklace was a perfect complement to her outfit. (Correct answer)
• (D) The design of the building complimented its intended purpose.