complementary
[/ˌkɒm.plɪˈmen.tər.i/]
adjective
complementar
1. Serving to complete or enhance something by providing what is lacking or needed
The two flavors are complementary and work well together in the dish.
Os dois sabores são complementares e funcionam bem juntos no prato.
2. In science, referring to two things that together form a complete whole or pair
Red and cyan are complementary colors in the light spectrum.
Vermelho e ciano são cores complementares no espectro de luz.
3. Describing angles that together sum to 90 degrees
A 30-degree angle and a 60-degree angle are complementary angles.
Um ângulo de 30 graus e um ângulo de 60 graus são ângulos complementares.
4. Mutually beneficial or enhancing one another
Their skills are complementary; she excels at design while he masters engineering.
Suas habilidades são complementares; ela se destaca em design enquanto ele domina engenharia.
The term 'complementary' is widely used in both American and Brazilian contexts, particularly in fashion, interior design, and science education. In Brazil, 'terapias complementares' (complementary therapies) has gained popularity alongside conventional medicine. In the USA, the concept is frequently applied to business partnerships and team dynamics, emphasizing how diverse skills can create synergy.
Related Idioms & Phrases
complementary medicine - medicina complementar
complementary therapy - terapia complementar
complementary distribution - distribuição complementar (linguistics)
complementary pairs - pares complementares
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