compliment

¹com·pli·ment

noun \ˈkäm-plə-mənt\

Definition of COMPLIMENT

1

a : an expression of esteem, respect, affection, or admiration; especially : an admiring remark b : formal and respectful recognition : honor

2

plural : best wishes : regards <accept my compliments> <compliments of the season>

Examples of COMPLIMENT

1. He told her he admired her paintings and she returned the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.
2. When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest compliment we can get.
3. Boys in the Midwest grow up without a word of praise, their parents fearful that a compliment might make them vain … —Garrison Keillor, WLT: A Radio Romance, 1991
4. Mallard scowled at him. He had never learned to receive compliment or expressions of gratitude gracefully. —Dorothy Simpson, The Night She Died, 1981
5. “The warden said he wouldn't let just anybody have a young swan, but he'd let you have one because you understand about birds, and he trusts you. That's quite a compliment, son.” Mr. Beaver looked pleased. —E. B. White, The Trumpet Of The Swan, (1970) 2000
6. The first presentation of Falstaff I ever saw was yours … Perhaps the best compliment I can pay is to say, as I truly can, I am very anxious to see it again. —Abraham Lincoln, letter, 17 Aug. 1863

Origin of COMPLIMENT

Middle French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento, from cumplir to be courteous — more at comply

First Known Use: 1598

Related to COMPLIMENT

Synonyms: bouquet, kudo

Related Words: accolade, citation, commendation, encomium, eulogy, homage, paean, panegyric, salutation, tribute, valentine

Near Antonyms: affront, barb, dart, dig, epithet, insult, put-down, slight, slur

see all synonyms and antonyms

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