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complimentary

kom-pli-MEN-tuh-ree /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/

adjectiveB2TOEFLIELTS

neutral

Given free of charge as a courtesy or promotional offer by a business.

The story behind the word. From French compliment, from Italian complimento, from Latin complementum (that which fills up). It evolved from expressing respect to offering something free as a courtesy.

Word relationships

free: Free is a general term, while complimentary sounds more professional and emphasizes that it is a gift of courtesy from a business.
gratis: Gratis is a formal, Latin-derived term meaning free, while complimentary focuses on the polite gesture of the giver.

paid: Paid requires a financial transaction, whereas complimentary does not.
chargeable: Chargeable indicates that a fee will be applied to the guest's bill.

Commonly confused with

complementary: Complementary with an 'e' means combining in such a way as to enhance or complete each other, while complimentary with an 'i' means free or praising.

Word family

compliment (noun): an expression of praise or a polite gesture
complimentarily (adverb): in a complimentary manner

Collocations

complimentary breakfast
complimentary toiletries
complimentary ticket

Example sentences

"The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi to all guests." Free hotel perks.

Memory hook

A compl-I-mentary gift is given with an 'I' (as a polite gesture from me to you). Complimentary is a free courtesy.

When not to use

Do not use when something is free because it has no value or is trash; it must be a deliberate gesture of goodwill or service.

Fun facts

The shift from 'expressing praise' to 'free of charge' happened because businesses would offer free items 'with the compliments of the house'—meaning as a polite gesture of respect.