compliment
an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration: A sincere compliment boosts one's morale.
an act or expression of civility, respect, or regard: The mayor paid him the compliment of escorting him.
compliments, a courteous greeting; good wishes; regards: He sends you his compliments.
Archaic. a gift; present.
to express praise, commendation, or admiration of: She complimented the child on his good behavior.
to show kindness or regard for by a gift or other favor: He complimented us by giving a party in our honor.
to congratulate: They were traveling to the capital to compliment the prince on the birth of a son.
to express praise, commendation, or admiration: He was known for a warm style of leadership in which he complimented and praised frequently.
Idioms about compliment
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.
Origin of compliment
1confusables note For compliment
Other words for compliment
Opposites for compliment
Other words from compliment
- 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
Words that may be confused with compliment
- complement, compliment (see confusables note at complement)
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use compliment in a sentence
The negress feels the compliment, rather 299 despises the complimenter, but likes it on the whole—and comes again.
Through the Heart of Patagonia | H. Hesketh PrichardJ'espérais vous voir lundi dernier à l'Academy et vous complimenter comme vous le meritez pour votre belle statue.
The Life, Letters and Work of Frederic Leighton | Mrs. Russell Barrington
British Dictionary definitions for compliment
a remark or act expressing respect, admiration, etc
(usually plural) a greeting of respect or regard
to express admiration of; congratulate or commend
to express or show respect or regard for, esp by a gift
Origin of compliment
1confusable For compliment
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with compliment
see left-handed compliment; pay a compliment; return the compliment.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
Browse