Compliment: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Compliment noun. A polite remark that expresses praise or admiration.
How to say it
KOM-plih-munt/ˈkɒmplɪm(ə)nt/
3 syllables, stressed on the first (KOM). Forms: compliments.
Compliment in a sentence
She took the compliment about her shoes with a shy smile.
Please give our compliments to the chef.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- praise
- tribute
- flattery
- kind word
Opposite:
- insult
- criticism
Usage note
A compliment (with an i) is praise; a complement (with an e) completes something. A good wine complements a meal, and you might compliment the host on it.
Don’t confuse with complement
complement (verb): To go well with something, completing it or making it better.
Where compliment comes from
From French compliment, through Italian complimento, an act of courtesy.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Please give our _____ to the chef.
- stationery
- compliment
- ordnance
Show the answer
compliment: Please give our compliments to the chef.