What does compliment mean?
A compliment is an expression of praise, admiration, or courtesy directed toward another person. Most commonly it takes the form of spoken or written approval — remarking on someone's skill, appearance, achievement, or character — and receiving one gracefully is widely regarded as a social skill in itself. The word also survives in older, more formal uses such as 'my compliments to the chef' or 'with the compliments of the management,' where it signals respectful regard rather than direct flattery. As a verb, 'to compliment' someone is to voice such praise, typically by saying something kind about them or their work. The word carries a warm, positive connotation, though it can be insincere when used as flattery, and a 'backhanded compliment' disguises criticism within apparent praise. Etymologically, compliment comes from Italian through French, ultimately deriving from Latin roots associated with fulfillment and completion — making it a linguistic relative of words like 'comply' and 'complete.' Its near-homophone 'complement,' which means something that completes or enhances something else, is a classic source of spelling confusion, and careful writers keep the two firmly distinct.
An expression of praise, admiration, or courtesy directed at someone.
"She blushed at the unexpected compliment from the usually stern critic."
In formal usage, 'compliments' can also refer to greetings or acts of polite regard, as in 'my compliments to the chef.'
To politely congratulate or express admiration for someone.
"The manager complimented the team on finishing the project ahead of schedule."
When used as a verb, the word carries stress on the final syllable (/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt/), unlike the noun.
The plural is standard when referring to multiple expressions of praise, or collectively in phrases like 'my compliments to the chef.'
"She received many compliments on her presentation."
'Compliment' and 'complete' share the same Latin root meaning 'to fill up' — so when you pay someone a compliment, you're literally completing them.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of compliment
The word 'compliment' derives from the Italian 'complimento,' meaning fulfillment or accomplishment of courtesy, which itself traces to Latin 'complementum,' formed from 'com-' (together) and 'plere' (to fill). It passed into French as 'compliment' before entering English around the early 17th century. This makes 'compliment' a cousin of words sharing the same Latin root, including 'comply,' 'complete,' 'implement,' and its near-twin 'complement' — the latter being a frequent source of confusion between the two spellings.
Related word forms
How compliment is actually used
The noun and verb differ noticeably in stress: the noun is stressed on the first syllable (/ˈkɒmplɪmənt/), while the verb is stressed on the last syllable (/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt/). The adjective 'complimentary' can mean either 'expressing a compliment' or, confusingly, 'given free of charge' (as in a complimentary breakfast). A 'backhanded compliment' praises superficially while actually conveying criticism.
Easily confused with compliment
A complement completes or goes well with something (as in 'a complement to the meal'), whereas a compliment is an expression of praise — they are near-homophones but entirely different words.