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
Synonyms for compliment
- admiration
- applause
- commendation
- praise
- tribute
Antonyms for compliment
- criticism
- insult
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.
take a compliment
to accept praise or admiration graciously
Example
She never knows how to take a compliment and always deflects it.
return the compliment
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
backhanded 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!
pay someone a compliment
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'
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.
