What does complimental mean?
'Complimental' is a rare English adjective describing something that takes the form of, or expresses, a compliment — that is, praise, admiration, or polite flattery directed at someone. A complimental remark, letter, or speech is one whose purpose or effect is to honour or approve of its subject rather than to criticise. In practice the word has been almost entirely displaced by its far more familiar relative, 'complimentary', which carries the same core sense (and additionally means 'given free of charge'); today 'complimental' survives mainly in older books and formal historical prose, where readers may meet phrases such as 'a complimental letter'. Its connotations are warm and positive, signalling courtesy and esteem. For general use, writers should choose 'complimentary', but knowing 'complimental' helps when reading older texts and illuminates how English adjectives were once formed more freely from nouns of social interaction.
adjectiveOf the nature of, or expressing, a compliment; complimentary.
- Of the nature of a compliment; expressing praise, admiration, or flattery.
"Her remarks about the new design were entirely complimental, praising both its elegance and its practicality."
"The ambassador's speech was warmly complimental toward the host nation's hospitality."
"His tone turned complimental as he praised her years of quiet dedication to the project."
'Complimental' is the forgotten twin of 'complimentary' — a once-legitimate adjective that has all but vanished from modern English, surviving only in older texts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of complimental
'Complimental' derives from the noun 'compliment', which entered English in the seventeenth century from French 'compliment', itself drawn from Italian 'complimento'. The Italian term traces back through Spanish 'cumplimiento' ultimately to Latin 'complementum', from 'complēre' ('to fill up, fulfil'), the same root that gives us 'complete' and 'comply'. The suffix '-al' formed an adjective meaning 'relating to a compliment'; the parallel form 'complimentary' proved more durable and eventually became the standard choice.
How complimental is actually used
'Complimental' is now rare and somewhat archaic; 'complimentary' is the strongly preferred form in contemporary English in virtually all contexts. When encountered, it appears chiefly in older literature or formal historical writing.
Easily confused with complimental
Complimentary is the standard, common adjective meaning expressing praise or given free of charge, while complimental is a rare, largely obsolete variant meaning simply 'of the nature of a compliment'.
Complementary means something that completes or combines well with something else, whereas complimental relates to praise or compliments.