■ noun 'kɒmplɪm(ə)nt a polite expression of praise or admiration.
↘( ~s ) congratulations or praise expressed to someone.
↘( ~s ) formal greetings sent as a message.
■ verb 'kɒmplɪmɛnt
1》 politely congratulate or praise.
2》 ( ~ someone with ) archaic present someone with (something) as a mark of courtesy.
Phrases
return the ~ retaliate or respond in kind.
with one's ~s provided free of charge.
Origin
C17: from Fr. ~ (n.), ~er (v.), from Ital. ~o 'fulfilment of the requirements of courtesy', from L. complementum 'completion, fulfilment'.
Usage
On the confusion of ~ with complement , see complement .