In
grammar and linguistics, the term
complement is used with different meanings, so it is difficult to give a single precise definition and explanation. In a broad general sense however, a complement can be understood as a
word,
phrase or
clause that is necessary to
complete the meaning of a given expression. The terms
complement and
argument overlap in meaning and use. A given complement is therefore often also an argument. Complements are not
adjuncts, however.