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Difficulty: MediumFrequently Confused Words

The structural columns of the new library were designed to compliment the classical architecture of the surrounding campus buildings.

Which of the following is the correct choice for the underlined word?

  1. A
    NO CHANGE
  2. complementAnswer
  3. C
    supplement
  4. D
    implement

Answer

complement
The correct word is 'complement' because it functions as a verb meaning to combine with something else in a way that enhances or completes it. In the context of architectural design, the columns are intended to enhance the appearance of the surrounding buildings. The word 'compliment' means to express praise, which is incorrect since columns cannot praise buildings.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the meaning of the underlined word 'compliment' in the context of the sentence.
The sentence describes structural columns designed to visually go well with or enhance the classical architecture of other buildings. 'Compliment' means to praise, which makes no sense for physical columns.
Identifying the mismatch between the word's definition and the context indicates that a correction is needed.
2
Evaluate the choices to find the word that means to visually enhance or complete.
'Complement' means to complete or enhance by adding contrasting or coordinating features. This perfectly fits the design context of the sentence.
Selecting the correct homophone ensures semantic accuracy and proper word choice.

Key Concept

Frequently Confused Words (complement vs. compliment)
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Topics

Frequently Confused Words

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