compliment
compliment Lexical Profile
compliment Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A polite expression of praise, commendation, or admiration.
"The architect received many compliments on the sustainable design of the new library."
Formal greetings, regards, or expressions of respect and good wishes (usually used in the plural).
"The restaurant manager sent a dessert to our table with the chef's compliments."
• verb
To politely praise, commend, or congratulate someone for an achievement, quality, or possession.
"Several colleagues complimented her on the clarity and depth of her research presentation."
Word Nuance & Usage
Easily confused with its homophone 'complement': 'compliment' refers to an expression of praise or courtesy, whereas 'complement' refers to something that completes, enhances, or brings another thing to perfection.
• Rhymes for compliment
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the late 16th century from French 'compliment', from Italian 'complimento', ultimately from Latin 'complēre' ('to fill up' or 'to fulfill'), referring to the fulfillment of the obligations of courtesy.