complement

Where does the word "complement" come from? It comes from Latin complere, passing through Latin before entering English (1400s).

Complement’s story begins in Latin: complere meant “to fill up completely.” To fill up completely, from com- (thoroughly) and plere (to fill). Within Latin, it grew into complementum by ancient. That which completes, from complere. It reached English by 1400s as complement. Settled as the English word for something that completes or perfects another thing. Today, complement means something that completes or enhances another thing when combined with it.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient complere "to fill up completely", to fill up completely, from com- (thoroughly) and plere (to fill).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient complementum "that which completes", that which completes, from complere.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1400s complement "something that completes or perfects another thing", settled as the English word for something that completes or perfects another thing.