Complementary

Quick meaning: Complementary is an adjective meaning Acting as a complement; making up a whole with something else.

Meaning

Acting as a complement; making up a whole with something else.

More Meanings

1. (genetics) Of the specific pairings of the bases in DNA and RNA.
2. A complementary colour.
3. An angle which adds with another to equal 90 degrees.
4. (physics) Pertaining to pairs of properties in quantum mechanics that are inversely related to each other, such as speed and position, or energy and time. (See also Heisenberg uncertainty principle.)
5. (obsolete) One skilled in compliments.

Example Sentences

the hands of the most skilful and cunning complementaries alive

I'll provide you with some complementary notes to help you study.

The two business partners had complementary abilities: one had excellent people skills, while the other had a head for figures.

Word Forms

• complementaries

Synonyms for complementary

Depending on context, synonyms include reciprocal, complemental, inessential, antonymous, interchangeable, unessential.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include complemental, reciprocal, interchangeable, antonymous, inessential, unessential.

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