complementarity
UK[ˌkɒmplɪmenˈtærəti]US[ˌkɑːmplɪmenˈtærəti]
n
A situation in which two or more different things, qualities, or ideas combine to form a complete or balanced whole, each enhancing the other.
n
(Physics) The principle that a complete knowledge of phenomena on the atomic scale requires the use of two mutually exclusive theories or models, such as the wave and particle theories of light or matter.
Morpheme Breakdown
complement
ar
ity
complement
ar
ity
Etymology
The word's journey begins with the Latin verb complēre, meaning 'to fill up' or 'to complete', from com- ('together, completely') and plēre ('to fill'). Its noun form, complementum, denoted 'that which completes'. This entered English as 'complement'. The suffix -ary was added to create the adjective 'complementary', describing a relationship of mutual completion. Finally, the abstract noun suffix -ity was appended to 'complementary', forming 'complementarity' to name the state or principle of being complementary. Thus, the term logically evolves from the concrete idea of filling something up to the abstract concept of a mutually completing relationship, central to fields from biology to quantum physics.
Analysis
Structure: complement + ar + ity
complement: From Latin complementum ('that which fills up or completes'), from complēre ('to fill up, complete'). Acts as the core lexical root.
ar: A Latin-derived adjectival suffix (as in molecular, solar), here forming the adjective complementary.
ity: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-itas), indicating a state, condition, or quality.
Examples
The complementarity of their skills made them an exceptionally effective team.
Bohr's principle of complementarity is a cornerstone of quantum mechanics.
There is a strong economic complementarity between the two neighboring countries.