noun , verb
■ noun / ˈkɒmplɪmənt; NAmE ˈkɑːm-/
1.
[ C ] a remark that expresses praise or admiration of sb :
to pay sb a compliment (= to praise them for sth)
'You understand the problem because you're so much older.' 'I'll take that as a compliment !'
It's a great compliment to be asked to do the job.
to return the compliment (= to treat sb in the same way as they have treated you)
2.
compliments [ pl. ] ( formal ) polite words or good wishes, especially when used to express praise and admiration :
My compliments to the chef!
( BrE )
Compliments of the season! (= for Christmas or the New Year)
Please accept these flowers with the compliments of (= as a gift from) the manager.
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IDIOMS
see backhanded
■ verb
/ ˈkɒmplɪment; NAmE ˈkɑːm-/ [ vn ] compliment sb (on sth) to tell sb that you like or admire sth they have done, their appearance, etc. :
She complimented him on his excellent German.
••
WHICH WORD
compliment / complement
These words have similar spellings but completely different meanings. If you compliment someone, you say something very nice to them:
She complimented me on my English.
If one thing complements another, the two things work or look better because they are together:
The different flavours complement each other perfectly.
The adjectives are also often confused. Complimentary :
She made some very complimentary remarks about my English.
It can also mean 'free':
There was a complimentary basket of fruit in our room.
Complementary :
The team members have different but complementary skills.
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WORD ORIGIN
mid 17th cent.: from French compliment (noun), complimenter (verb), from Italian complimento fulfilment of the requirements of courtesy, from Latin complementum completion, fulfilment (reflected in the earlier English spelling complement , gradually replaced by the French form between 1655 and 1715).