compliment
KOM-pluh-muhnt
/ˈkɒmplɪmənt/
A polite expression of praise or admiration; to politely express praise or admiration.
The most common, everyday word for praise. It is polite, social, and usually sincere, though it can be superficial.
The story behind the word. Both 'compliment' and 'complement' come from the Latin 'complementum'. In Italian, 'complimento' came to mean the polite performance of social duties that 'completed' good manners. English borrowed this as 'compliment' to mean polite praise.
Word relationships
- praise: Praise can be deep and serious, while a compliment is often a lighter, polite social gesture.
- flattery: Flattery is insincere, whereas a compliment is typically sincere, though polite.
- insult: A disrespectful or abusive remark, the direct opposite of a polite compliment.
- criticism: An expression of disapproval or finding fault.
Commonly confused with
- complement: Complement (with an 'e') means to complete or make perfect, while compliment (with an 'i') is an expression of praise.
Word family
- complimentary (adjective): Expressing praise; also means free of charge.
Collocations
- pay a compliment
- return the compliment
- take it as a compliment
Idioms & expressions
- fish for compliments
- backhanded compliment
Example sentences
- "She paid him a lovely compliment on his piano playing, which made him smile." A simple social interaction.
Memory hook
A compl-I-ment with an 'I' is something I like to receive! Compliment = Completes polite conversation.
When not to use
Do not use when describing a grand, formal, or official public tribute; use 'commendation' or 'panegyric' instead.
Fun facts
- The double meaning of 'complimentary' (praising vs. free) arose because giving something for free was seen as a polite gesture of respect or compliment to the recipient.
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