compliment

[kom-pluh-muhnt, kom-pluh-ment]

noun

1. an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration.

   A sincere compliment boosts one's morale.

   Synonyms: panegyric, eulogy, tribute, kudos
   Antonyms: disparagement

2. an act or expression of civility, respect, or regard.

   The mayor paid him the compliment of escorting him.

3. compliments, a courteous greeting; good wishes; regards.

   He sends you his compliments.

4. Archaic.,  a gift; present.

verb (used with object)

1. to express praise, commendation, or admiration of.

   She complimented the child on his good behavior.

   Synonyms: honor, praise, commend

2. to show kindness or regard for by a gift or other favor.

   He complimented us by giving a party in our honor.

3. to congratulate.

   They were traveling to the capital to compliment the prince on the birth of a son.

verb (used without object)

1. to express praise, commendation, or admiration.

   He was known for a warm style of leadership in which he complimented and praised frequently.

compliment

noun

1. a remark or act expressing respect, admiration, etc

2. (usually plural) a greeting of respect or regard

verb

1. to express admiration of; congratulate or commend

2. to express or show respect or regard for, esp by a gift

Confusables Note

See complement

See complement.

Other Word Forms

• complimentable adjective
• complimenter noun
• complimentingly adverb
• outcompliment verb (used with object)
• uncomplimented adjective
• uncomplimenting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of compliment¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento “compliance or fulfillment of the forms of a courtesy,” from cumpli(r) “to complete” ( comply ) + -miento, noun suffix ( -ment ); earlier identical in spelling with complement

Word History and Origins

Origin of compliment¹

C17: from French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento, from cumplir to complete, do what is fitting, be polite

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. compliments of, given or donated by.

   Begin your day with a delicious continental breakfast, compliments of your hosts.

   I have a mystery tomato plant growing among my squash, apparently compliments of the birds and their droppings.

see left-handed compliment; pay a compliment; return the compliment.

Example Sentences

Wearing the Wizard’s green top hat and suit and with his microphone dropping out inauspiciously, Dolan never introduced himself, but he did compliment the other creators of the event, who also wore costumes.

From Los Angeles Times

Putin and Modi later spent 45 minutes inside the Russian leader's car - after which Modi posted a picture of their journey alongside the compliment to Putin.

From BBC

The two leaders spent 45 minutes inside the Russian leader's car - after which Modi posted a picture of their journey alongside the compliment to Putin.

From BBC

Put bluntly by Jackson, intending this as a compliment: “I think DJ’s brain is a football. Literally, you open his head there’s probably a football in there.”

From Los Angeles Times

That would normally be a compliment, but the Sheffield-based artist was puzzled.

From BBC

Related Words

• admiration 
• adulation 
• applause 
• blessing 
• commendation 
• courtesy 
• endorsement 
• homage 
• ovation 
• tribute 

When To Use

What’s the difference between compliment and complement?

A compliment is a comment intended to express praise or admiration of someone. Compliment is also commonly used as a verb meaning to give a compliment. The word complement most commonly refers to something that goes along with something else and serves to make it better or complete it. It’s also commonly used as a verb meaning to serve as a complement in this way, as in That necklace really complements the rest of your outfit.Complement has many other specific meanings, but compliment is really only used to refer to a nice comment or the action of giving one.Since the primary senses of both words are generally used in positive contexts, it can be easy to confuse them.The adjective form of complement is complementary, as in complementary colors. The adjective form of compliment is complimentary, which can describe something intended to be a compliment, as in complimentary remark, or it can be used to mean that something is given for free, as in I hope we get complimentary snacks on this flight.The easiest way to remember the difference is that complement often means to complete, and complete also starts with c-o-m-p-l-e. On the other hand, compliment is spelled with an i, and compliments are something that I like to get (and give). Nice shirt, by the way.Here’s an example of compliment and complement used correctly in the same sentence.Example: The chef overheard the diners at one table complimenting the way the sauce complemented the fish, so she told the server to offer them a complimentary dessert. Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between compliment and complement.