compl_ment: complament

[hermeneut]

Does anybody really distinguish between compliment and complement? They're phonologically identical in most cases, and their semantic difference seems superficial. A complement brings perfection or completion to that which it complements. A compliment brings praise, respect, or congratulations to that which it compliments. Aren't both of these

Comments

[skippers]

I know nothing (practically) of exact meanings and functions of roots, so I'll only trust that 'comp' fits nicely with lament. ;)

Giving, though, yes! Very right, very the same, in their minor differences.

[hermeneut]

Thanks for your trust. I'm not sure if my word play is very accurate, but it's at least poetic enough to get us to reflect on giving. It reminds me of something Aldous Huxley said: the meaning of life is to be a little kinder.

Peace