Approve/Approve of Borrow/Lend Compliment/Complement You “compliment” someone when you make a favourable comment about them. E.g. He complimented her by telling her that she was a good writer. You “complement” something (or someone) when you add something else to it that suits or fits it well. E.g. That scarf complements her dress. To “lend” something is to give it to someone with the expectation that they will give it back. E.g. She is lending the car to him so that he can drive to work today. To “borrow” something is to take it with the intention of giving it back. E.g. He borrowed the book from his colleague. To “approve” something is to give consent. E.g. The director approved the budget. To “approve of” something is to express a favourable opinion about it. E.g. The mother did not approve of the way her daughter was dressed for  the school dance. Basic English Language Skills