noun

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

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."

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

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."

How to use compliment

Learner’s notes

In 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

complement → complimentary → complementary →

Common pairings

pay someone a compliment take it as a compliment backhanded compliment return the compliment fish for compliments

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Can you complete this real example?

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.

Origin: French

Synonyms

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praise tribute flattery commendation accolade congratulate commend flatter

Antonyms

insult criticism criticise

Related words

credit advice critical protection award abuse prize criticism

Rhymes for compliment

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.

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