Definitions
- Describing a positive comment or gesture given to someone, often as a form of praise or appreciation. - Referring to a free item or service provided by a business or establishment as a courtesy. - Talking about something that is given or done without expectation of payment or return.
- Describing something that is unnecessary or excessive, often in a negative way. - Referring to something that is given or done without good reason or justification. - Talking about something that is done or said solely for the purpose of causing offense or shock.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words describe something that is given or done without payment or expectation of return.
- 2Both words can be used to describe a comment or action towards someone.
- 3Both words can be used to describe something that is unnecessary or excessive.
What is the difference?
- 1Meaning: Complimentary has a positive connotation, while gratuitous has a negative connotation.
- 2Intent: Complimentary is meant to praise or show appreciation, while gratuitous is often meant to offend or shock.
- 3Usage: Complimentary is commonly used in business or customer service contexts, while gratuitous is more commonly used in artistic or creative contexts.
- 4Frequency: Complimentary is a more common word than gratuitous in everyday language.
Remember this!
While both complimentary and gratuitous can describe something given or done without payment or expectation of return, they have different meanings and connotations. Complimentary is a positive word used to praise or show appreciation, often in business or customer service contexts. In contrast, gratuitous is a negative word used to describe something unnecessary or excessive, often in artistic or creative contexts.
