Added 8 October 2026
compliment
/ˈkɑmpləmənt/ noun
Latin root: complēmentum Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about compliment at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
An expression of a favourable opinion about someone.
to pay someone a compliment
- A formal act or expression of congratulation, courtesy, respect, etc.; also in the form compliments: formal expression of congratulation, courtesy, respect, etc.; complimentary language; flattery, praise.
- A thing given as a sign of courtesy or respect; a gift, a present.
verb
- To express a favourable opinion of (someone); to praise.
- To express a favourable opinion of (someone); to praise.
- To address or greet (someone) formally with expressions of courtesy, respect, etc.; to give or pay (someone) a compliment (etymology 1, noun sense 2). To give (someone) a thing (such as a gift, or an academic degree or title) as a sign of courtesy or respect.
noun
- Misspelling of complement.
- Obsolete spelling of complement.
verb
- Misspelling of complement.
- Obsolete spelling of complement.
Origin
Borrowed from French compliment, itself a borrowing of Italian complimento, which in turn is a borrowing from Spanish cumplimiento, from cumplir (“to comply, complete, do what is proper”) + -miento or Latin complēmentum. Doublet of complement. Displaced Old English ġeswǣsnes.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)