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compliment

[ˈkɒmplɪmənt]

compliment Definition

  • 1a polite expression of praise or admiration
  • 2an act or circumstance that implies praise or respect

Using compliment: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "compliment" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She paid me a compliment on my dress.

  • Example

    I must compliment you on your excellent work.

  • Example

    His compliments were all lies.

  • Example

    The flowers are a compliment to the decor.

compliment Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for compliment

Idioms Using compliment

  • fish for compliments

    to try to get people to say nice things about you

    Example

    She's always fishing for compliments, asking if her outfit looks good.

  • to accept praise or admiration graciously

    Example

    She never knows how to take a compliment and always deflects it.

  • to respond to a compliment by giving one in return

    Example

    When he complimented her on her cooking, she returned the compliment by praising his wine selection.

Phrases with compliment

  • a statement that seems to be a compliment but is actually an insult

    Example

    When she said I looked good for my age, I knew it was a backhanded compliment.

  • compliments of the season

    a greeting used during the Christmas and New Year holiday season

    Example

    Compliments of the season to you and your family!

  • to express admiration or praise to someone

    Example

    I had to pay her a compliment on her new haircut.

Origins of compliment

from French 'complimenter', meaning 'to compliment'

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Summary: compliment in Brief

The term 'compliment' [ˈkɒmplɪmənt] refers to a polite expression of praise or admiration, or an act or circumstance that implies praise or respect. It can be a genuine or insincere statement, as in 'His compliments were all lies.' 'Compliment' extends into phrases like 'pay someone a compliment,' and idioms like 'fish for compliments,' denoting seeking praise, and 'take a compliment,' implying accepting praise graciously.

How do native speakers use this expression?