complementarity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "complementarity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing the relationship between two or more elements that enhance or complete each other. Example: "The complementarity of their skills allowed the team to achieve greater success than they could have individually."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It has complementarity with other sectors," said George Pagoulatos, professor of European politics and economy at Athens University of economics and business.

The Guardian

Marriage is rooted in the complementarity of man and woman.

The Guardian

The court works on a system of complementarity - if Uganda can try him they will be given preference.

The Guardian

Jealous of their national sovereignty, most countries insisted on a strong "complementarity" provision in the treaty.

The Economist

Mr Holslag predicts that India will challenge China's role as the world's manufacturer, but that seems far-fetched.This complementarity has been accompanied by a number of alliances of convenience, most notably in resisting pressure from the rich world to agree to fixed targets for limiting carbon emissions.

The Economist

American withdrawal from these initiatives would doom them all, threatening a reversal into protectionism.In this section American politics, global trade Johannesburgers and fries ReprintsThird, American leadership has been crucial in assuring the compatibility, indeed the complementarity, of regional and global liberalisation.

The Economist

He offered to set up a special tribunal in Uganda which would try the rebel leaders, with an implicit understanding that they might get off lightly or maybe escape prison altogether.Mind those hurdlesUnder the ICC's strict principle of "complementarity", the court will take on an atrocities case only if the country itself is "unable or unwilling" to do so.

The Economist

The transatlantic deal, by contrast, is all about complementarity.

The Economist

Under the "principle of complementarity", it may try someone only if their own country is genuinely unable or unwilling to do so.

The Economist

China likes to talk of the complementarity of the two economies, coupling China's manufacturing might to India's strength in services.

The Economist

While art and genetics may not pair with perfect complementarity, it is surely a sign of stronger bonds forming when artists participate in peer-reviewed science.Sound scienceAs the double helix weaves its way into the visual arts, DNA is also finding a voice in music.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "complementarity", ensure that the relationship between the elements being described is genuinely mutually beneficial and that each element enhances the other in a specific way.

Common error

Avoid using "complementarity" when the relationship is one-sided or where one element dominates the other. True complementarity requires mutual enhancement and balanced contribution.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "complementarity" is as a noun. It refers to the state or characteristic of being complementary, as evidenced by the dictionary definition and usage in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

38%

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

27%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "complementarity" functions as a noun, denoting a mutually beneficial relationship where elements enhance each other. As Ludwig AI indicates, its use is correct and frequent across different domains. It is very common in scientific, news, and formal business contexts, emphasizing harmonious integration and synergistic effects. The related terms, such as "synergy" or "mutual reinforcement", offer similar nuances. Remember to ensure that when you employ "complementarity", it accurately reflects a situation of mutual and balanced enhancement to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

synergistic effect

Highlights the combined output being greater than the sum of individual parts.

mutual reinforcement

Emphasizes the strengthening effect each element has on the other.

reciprocal relationship

Highlights the give-and-take nature of the connection.

balanced interplay

Suggests an equilibrium and mutual influence between elements.

interdependent functionality

Focuses on how each element's function relies on the other.

mutual dependence

Highlights how elements rely on each other for success.

collaborative interaction

Stresses the joint effort and cooperation between elements.

combined effectiveness

Focuses on the increased efficiency and impact of elements working together.

harmonious integration

Indicates a smooth and balanced combination of elements.

integrated approach

Implies a unified and cohesive strategy.

FAQs

How is "complementarity" used in academic writing?

In academic writing, "complementarity" is used to describe relationships between different theories, methods, or findings that, when considered together, provide a more complete understanding of a phenomenon. It suggests that each element contributes unique insights, as shown in the "science" examples.

What's the difference between "complementarity" and "similarity"?

"Complementarity" implies that two things enhance each other by providing what the other lacks, leading to a more complete whole. "Similarity", on the other hand, suggests that two things share common attributes but doesn't necessarily imply a relationship of mutual benefit.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the word "complementarity"?

"Complementarity" is appropriate in contexts where discussing relationships between distinct entities that together form a more complete or effective whole. This can be in "formal business" settings when describing team dynamics or in "scientific" research describing diverse factors leading to a research outcome.

What are some alternatives to "complementarity" that I can use in my writing?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "synergy", "interdependence", or "mutual reinforcement". Each of these carries a slightly different emphasis on the nature of the relationship.