TL;DR – “Free” means without cost, while “complimentary” means provided as a courtesy or a free bonus alongside something else.
“Free” and “complimentary” are terms in the English language that both denote the absence of a charge for an item or service, yet they’re often employed in distinct contexts and can suggest different nuances.
Free
Definition: Not costing any money; provided without the expectation of payment.
Usage: The word “free” enjoys broad applicability in numerous situations where no monetary exchange is needed.
Example Sentences:
- “The software is available for free download.”
- “Kids can eat for free on Sundays.”
Complimentary
Definition: Supplied free of charge, often as a gesture of goodwill or a bonus. Its etymology can be traced back to the English dictionary definition that refers to “complimenting” or “praising.”
Usage: “Complimentary” frequently graces service-oriented environments like hotels or events, alluding more to an extra perk or token of appreciation.
Example Sentences:
- “Upon checking in, the hotel guests were offered complimentary drinks.”
- “The conference provided complimentary tickets to early registrants.”
To elucidate further:
While “free” is a universal descriptor highlighting the absence of cost, “complimentary” leans towards a bonus or an additional offering, given out of courtesy or as a gesture of goodwill. This distinction becomes evident in contexts like “complimentary close” in a letter or “complimentary remarks” which tie back to the notion of a “compliment” or praise.
In essence, though they sometimes can be used synonymously, your choice between “free” and “complimentary” should hinge on the specific context and the shade of meaning you wish to emphasize.
FAQ
What is the difference between Complementary and Complimentary?
Published on: 2023-10-03
Updated on: 2023-10-06
