compliment

[ noun kom-pluh-muhnt; verb 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

Usage

See complement

Confusables Note

See complement.

Other Words From

• com·pli·ment·a·ble adjective
• com·pli·ment·er noun
• com·pli·ment·ing·ly adverb
• out·com·pli·ment verb (used with object)
• un·com·pli·ment·ed adjective
• un·com·pli·ment·ing 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.

More idioms and phrases containing compliment

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

Example Sentences

"I took that as a huge compliment, because I love Wham!"

From BBC

The biggest compliment you can get after doing an interview with any politician is that you asked tough questions.

From Salon

“People will compliment,” he said, advising they respond with a question: “Have you voted?”

From Los Angeles Times

McVay complimented White for the way he has carried himself as a leader and mentor.

From Los Angeles Times

After complimenting her and getting a picture, he began his campaign of abuse.

From BBC

Related Words

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

Compliment Vs. Complement

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.

Quiz yourself on compliment vs. complement!

Should compliment or complement be used in the following sentence?

The two singers have very different styles, but they _____ each other so well during the performance.