compliment
KOM-pli-muhnt (noun), KOM-pli-ment (verb)
Compliment (noun) means a remark expressing praise, admiration or approval of someone or something. Example: “He paid her a compliment on her cooking.”
noun
1
A remark expressing praise, admiration or approval of someone or something.
"He paid her a compliment on her cooking."
"Being asked to speak again was the best compliment they could have given him."
"Thank you for the lovely compliment; it really made my day."
2
formal Polite greetings or good wishes conveyed to someone, especially in formal or written form.
"Please give my compliments to your parents."
"The bottle of wine arrived with the compliments of the manager."
verb
1
To tell someone that you admire or approve of them or something they have done.
"Several guests complimented the chef on the fish."
"She complimented me on my Portuguese."
"My neighbour complimented us on the garden when she walked past."
How to use compliment
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething nice you say about someone.
When to use it
Neutral in all contexts; the greetings sense is formal and slightly old-fashioned.
Memory tip
You compliment someone on something, not for something: "she complimented him on his speech".
Trace the full origin ↓
Easily confused with
Common pairings
pay someone a compliment
take it as a compliment
backhanded compliment
return the compliment
fish for compliments
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He paid her a _____ on her cooking.
Etymology
From French compliment, ultimately from Latin complere "to fill up, complete", by way of Spanish and Italian words for an act of courtesy.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for compliment
pediment
regiment
sediment
condiment
detriment
sentiment
merriment
experiment
embodiment
impediment
accompaniment
See all rhymes for compliment →
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between compliment and complement?
A compliment is a kind word of praise; to compliment someone is to praise them. A complement is something that completes or goes well with another thing, as a scarf complements a coat. Remember that compliment with an i means "I like it".
What does "with our compliments" mean?
It means the item is given free as a courtesy — the sense behind the word complimentary. A restaurant offering dessert "with our compliments" is not charging for it.
Is complimentary the same as complementary?
No. Complimentary means either praising ("a complimentary review") or free of charge ("complimentary breakfast"). Complementary means two things fit well together, as in complementary colours or complementary skills.
What is the meaning of compliment?
"compliment" (noun) means a remark expressing praise, admiration or approval of someone or something.
