Definition

1. Noun:

   • A polite expression of praise, admiration, or respect. It is a remark or an act that acknowledges someone's qualities, achievements, or appearance.
   • (Formal, often plural) A formal expression of courtesy, such as greetings or good wishes.

2. Verb:

   • To politely express praise or admiration to someone.
   • (Archaic) To present someone with something as a mark of courtesy.

Examples

• Noun:

  • She received a lovely compliment on her presentation skills.
  • Please give my compliments to the chef; the meal was excellent.
  • He paid her a sincere compliment about her new hairstyle.

• Verb:

  • He complimented her on her excellent work.
  • I must compliment you on your impeccable taste in music.
  • (Archaic) The ambassador complimented the king with a gift of rare jewels.

Advanced Usage

• "To fish for compliments": To try to make someone praise you, often by hinting or pretending to be modest.

  • He's always fishing for compliments about his cooking.

• "To return the compliment": To praise someone who has praised you; to do something equivalent for someone who has done something for you.

  • She helped me move, so I returned the compliment by helping her paint her house.

• "With the compliments of": A formal phrase used when giving something, meaning it is offered with the sender's good wishes.

  • The book arrived with the compliments of the author.

Variants and Related Words

• Complimentary (adj): Expressing praise; given free of charge.

  • She made several complimentary remarks about the project.
  • We received complimentary tickets to the show.

• Uncomplimentary (adj): Not expressing praise; critical or insulting.

  • His review of the film was highly uncomplimentary.

Synonyms

• Noun: Praise, flattery, accolade, commendation.
• Verb: Praise, commend, flatter, applaud.

Antonyms

• Noun: Insult, criticism, disparagement.
• Verb: Criticize, insult, disparage.

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• "Compliments of the season": A formal greeting used during holidays like Christmas and New Year.

  • The card read, "With compliments of the season."

• "Backhanded compliment": A remark that seems to be a compliment but contains a critical or insulting element.

  • Saying "You're smarter than you look" is a backhanded compliment.

Noun

1. a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration

Verb

1. express respect or esteem for
2. say something to someone that expresses praise
   • He complimented her on her last physics paper