compliment

UK: noun: /ˈkɒmplɪment/, verb: /ˈkɒmplɪment/ /ˈkɒmplɪmənt/

US: /n. ˈkɑmpləmənt; v. ˈkɑmpləˌmɛnt/

US: (n. kom′plə mənt; v. kom′plə ment′)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

com•pli•ment /n. ˈkɑmpləmənt; v. ˈkɑmpləˌmɛnt/   n. [countable]

1. an expression of praise or admiration:
   He paid her a nice compliment on her dress.
2. a formal act or gesture of respect or of high regard:
   The mayor paid her the compliment of a police escort.

v. [~ + object (+ on + object)]

3. to pay a compliment to;
   praise:
   He complimented the hostess on the dinner.

com•pli•ment•er, n. [countable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

com•pli•ment  (n. kom′plə mənt;v. kom′plə ment′), n. 

1. an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration:
   A sincere compliment boosts one's morale.
2. a formal act or expression of civility, respect, or regard:
   The mayor paid him the compliment of escorting him.
3. compliments, a courteous greeting;
   good wishes;
   regards:
   He sends you his compliments.
4. [Archaic.] a gift;
   present.

v.t. 

5. to pay a compliment to:
   She complimented the child on his good behavior.
6. to show kindness or regard for by a gift or other favor:
   He complimented us by giving a party in our honor.
7. to congratulate;
   felicitate:
   to compliment a prince on the birth of a son.

v.i. 

8. to pay compliments.

• Spanish cumplimiento, equivalent. to cumpli- (see comply) + -miento -ment; earlier identical in spelling, spelled with complement
• Italian complimento
• French
• 1570–80

com′pli•ment′a•ble, adj. 
com′pli•ment′er, n. 
com′pli•ment′ing•ly, adv. 
Synonyms

• 1. kudos, tribute, eulogy, panegyric.
• 5. commend, praise, honor.

Antonyms

• 1. disparagement.

Usage

See complement. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

compliment noun / ˈkɒmplɪmənt/

1. a remark or act expressing respect, admiration, etc
2. (usually plural) a greeting of respect or regard

verb / ˈkɒmplɪˌmɛnt/(transitive)

1. to express admiration of; congratulate or commend
2. to express or show respect or regard for, esp by a gift

Etymology: 17th Century: from French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento, from cumplir to complete, do what is fitting, be politeUSAGE
See note at complement