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单词 compliment
释义

complimentn.

/ˈkɒmplɪmənt/
Forms: Also 1600s complyment.
Etymology: Adopted in end of 17th cent. from French compliment, 16th cent. < Italian complimento , ‘expression of respect and civility to another by words or by acts’. The Latin complēmentum , Romanic complimento , became in Old French complement (compliement ), in Italian compimento , with the original sense of ‘filling up, fulfilment, accomplishment’; in Old Catalan complimento , Spanish cumplimiento , there was a special development of use, as in the verb (see comply v.1), giving the sense ‘observance or fulfilment of the requirements and forms of courtesy’, which was adopted in Italian in the form complimento , and thence passed into French and English. Compliment is thus a doublet of complement n. (the form directly < Latin). The latter was in use in this sense about a century before the introduction of the French word, which slowly took its place between 1655 and 1715: see complement n. 9, where the earlier history of this sense may be seen; compare also comply v.1H. L'Estrange's comply-ment , compli-ment (in sense 1a, 1b), appear to have been formed for the nonce on comply v.1, before compliment was in English use. Compare Skinner, 1668–71 ‘complement < French compliment, Italian complimento, hæc a verbo to Comply, q.d. Comply-ments’. (From c1700–17 to the present day nearly all editions of 16th cent. works, whether re-issues of printed books or original editions from manuscript (e.g. Clarendon's History, Pepys' Diary, Letters of Dorothy Osborne, etc.), systematically alter the original spelling complement into compliment, as do also modern dictionaries in their alleged quotations; only contemporary documents supply evidence as to the introduction of the French form.)
1.
a. A ceremonial act or expression as a tribute of courtesy, ‘usually understood to mean less than it declares’ (Johnson); now, esp. a neatly-turned remark addressed to any one, implying or involving praise; but, also applied to a polite expression of praise or commendation in speaking of a person, or to any act taken as equivalent thereto: see the modern examples. In phrases, as to pass, pay, make, etc. a compliment. to return the compliment: to pay back compliment with compliment; to retaliate. Chinese compliment: see Chinese adj.Proverb. Compliments fly when gentlefolk meet.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > reciprocal treatment or return of an action > make a return [verb (intransitive)]
returna1325
a Roland for an Oliver1548
reciprocate1600
revie1604
correspond1632
to return the compliment1655
retort1783
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use formal courtesy in act or expression [verb (intransitive)]
to complement it1617
complementa1625
to pay one's respects1652
to pass, pay, make, etc. a compliment1655
compliment1663
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > compliment > [noun]
complement1578
complemento1582
compliment1655
douceurs1665
bouquet1955
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > compliment > [verb (intransitive)]
to pass, pay, make, etc. a compliment1655
to throw bouquets1904
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > [noun] > ceremonious
ceremonyc1386
complement1578
complemento1582
formality1603
accompliment1613
compliment1655
ceremonial1749
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use formal courtesy in act or expression [verb (intransitive)] > in return
reciprocate1607
to return the compliment1655
1578 T. Nicholas tr. F. Lopez de Gómara Pleasant Hist. Conquest W. India 264 People, with whome such complementes should not be used.
1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene vi. x. 23 Friendly offices..all the complements of courtesie. View more context for this quotation
?1610 J. Fletcher Faithfull Shepheardesse v. sig. K4v Banish all complement but single truth. From euery tongue.
1653 H. Holcroft tr. Procopius War with Vandals ii. 28 in tr. Procopius Hist. Warres Justinian Courting with gifts, and invitations to his table, and other complements.]
1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 2 His [Charles's] reception at the Spanish Court..was with all possible ceremonies of honour, and specious comply-ments.
1665 Voy. E.-India in G. Havers tr. P. della Valle Trav. E. India 376 Their Heads are continually covered with a Shash..which they never pull off, as we do our Hats in Complements.]
1673 W. Temple in O. Airy Essex Papers (1890) I. 119 I tooke occasion to make a short compliment from your Excy to my Lord Chancellor..My Lord Chancellor returned the compliment with much civility.
1694 R. L'Estrange Fables (1714) liv. 67 The Fox return'd the Complement.
1702 Clarendon's Hist. Rebellion I. i. 30 The King..made great Compliments to the Duke.]
1704 N. Luttrell Diary in Brief Hist. Relation State Affairs (1857) V. 455 The elector of Bavaria..ordered his troops to give no quarter to the English..which being known..they returned the compliment upon them.
1707 G. Farquhar Beaux Stratagem v. 64 Come, come, my Lady, this is no time for Complements.]
1709 R. Steele Tatler No. 16. ⁋4 These Ministers..made him Compliments in the Name of the States General.
1749 H. Fielding Tom Jones I. ii. vi. 122 I make a just Compliment to the great Wisdom..of our Law. View more context for this quotation
1827 B. Disraeli Vivian Grey IV. vii. iii. 340 Compliments are doubly agreeable from crowned heads.
1836 H. Smith Tin Trumpet I. 132 Compliment—A thing often paid by people who pay nothing else.
1838 J. C. Hare & A. W. Hare Guesses at Truth (ed. 2) 1st Ser. 200 A compliment is usually accompanied with a bow, as if to beg pardon for paying it.
1868 Queen Victoria Tours Eng. & Irel. 189 I intend to create Bertie ‘Earl of Dublin’, as a compliment to the town and country; he has no Irish title.
1891 N.E.D. at Compliment Mod. They have paid him the compliment of electing him an honorary member. How could he have paid you a higher compliment than to adopt your conclusions?
1897 Pall Mall Mag. Aug. 523 So it was a case of ‘Compliments fly when gentlefolk meet’.
b. (without a or plural) Complimentary language; polite expression of praise or flattery.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > compliment > [noun] > complimentary language
compliment1655
1655 H. L'Estrange Reign King Charles 4 Lewis, who disdained to be wanting in any dues of compli-ment.
1682 Sir C. Sedley in Lett. 2nd Earl Chesterfield (1829) 232 Being, without compliment or any regard to the common close of a letter, your very Obedient Servant.
1705 A. Pope Corr. 23 June (1956) I. 9 You treat me so much in a Style of Compliment.
1814 W. Scott Waverley II. iv. 66 To say something within the verge of ordinary compliment and conversation. View more context for this quotation
2.
a. usually in plural. Formal respects, remembrances, greetings; esp. in phrases, as to make, pay, present, send (one's) compliments, and the like. compliments of the season: greetings appropriate to the (Christmas) season.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > [noun] > remembrance or greetings sent
recommendation1427
commend1488
commendation1529
complement1578
recado1615
remembrances1631
compliment1733
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > [noun] > greeting or salutation > for Christmas
compliments of the season1733
1733 J. Swift Lett. (1766) II. 181 The whole family of my ladies send their compliments.
1739 J. Swift Lett. (1766) II. 259 I made his royal highness your compliments, which he accepted with much satisfaction.
1766 T. Wroughton in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. ii. IV. 507 24 Dec. I heartily wish you the Compliments of the Season.
1774 Ld. Chesterfield Lett. to Son I. ix. 29 Make my compliments to your mamma.
1814 W. Scott Waverley II. xvi. 237 His compliments were..delivered by a servant. View more context for this quotation
1818 in Sir J. Sinclair's Corr. (1831) II. 56 Mr. Rush presents his compliments to Sir John Sinclair, and begs to acknowledge the receipt of his obliging note.
1838 E. Bulwer-Lytton Alice I. iii. vii. 299 Kind compliments to Mr. Merton.
b. with specifying words. Obsolete.
ΚΠ
1677 tr. A.-N. Amelot de La Houssaie Hist. Govt. Venice 105 [Sent] with Complements of Condolence for the death of his Father, and Complements of Congratulation for his Access to the Crown.]
1736 in Colonial Rec. Pennsylvania (1851) IV. 55 An Opportunity of paying their Compliments of Condolance.
1771 T. Smollett Humphry Clinker II. 72 Lady Griskin had come to make her formal compliments of condolance to Mrs. Tabitha.
a1773 Ld. Chesterfield (O.) Compliments of congratulation are always kindly taken.
3. A complimentary gift, a present, gratuity. to make one a compliment of (a thing). archaic or dialect. Bristol compliment (see quot. 1854).
ΘΚΠ
the mind > possession > giving > gift or present > [noun]
givec888
lakeOE
presentc1230
giftc1275
garrison1297
benefit1377
beneficec1380
givinga1382
handsela1393
donativec1430
oblation1433
propine1448
presentationc1460
don1524
sportule1538
premie?1548
first penny1557
donation1577
exhibition1579
donary1582
fairing1584
merced1589
gifture1592
meed1613
recado1615
regalo1622
regale1649
dation1656
compliment1702
dashee1705
dash1788
cadeau1808
bestowment1837
potlatch1844
prez.1919
Harry Freeman's1925
pressie1933
1722 London Gaz. No. 6101/2 The Prince..made a Compliment of his Horse and Furniture to the Collonel.
1758 R. Griffiths Descr. Thames 36 It was..the Residence of the Princess Anne..the Duke of Sommerset having made her a Compliment of it.
1789 in J. A. Picton City of Liverpool: Select. Munic. Rec. (1886) II. 266 The compliment he expects for the plans already furnished.
1812 Examiner 21 Sept. 606/1 The Verger..said ‘he expected a compliment’.
1854 Notes & Queries 1st Ser. 9 541/1 A present made of an article that you do not care about keeping yourself is called ‘a Bristol Compliment’.
1860 J. R. Bartlett Dict. Americanisms (ed. 3) Compliment, a present. South-Western.
figurative.1702 in W. S. Perry Hist. Coll. Amer. Colonial Church: Virginia (1870) I. 70 Englishmen..will never more become very apt to make a Compliment to their Princes Prerogative of their English Libertys.1762 Fielding's Jonathan Wild i. i, in Wks. II. 238 Nothing is more usual with writers, who find many instances of greatness in their favourite hero, than to make him a compliment of goodness into the bargain.
4. Occasionally in sense of complement n. 4c. Obsolete.
ΘΚΠ
society > society and the community > social relations > association, fellowship, or companionship > a company or body of persons > [noun] > of number required
complement1600
compliment1708
establishment1828
society > travel > travel by water > one who travels by water or sea > sailor > [noun] > crew
ship1338
fellowshipa1400
shipping14..
ging1585
company1591
complement1600
ship's company1644
crew1694
compliment1708
equipage1728
1708 Chamberlayne's Magnæ Britanniæ Notitia (1743) i. ii. xiv. 133 The Men, full Compliment, 1250.

Compounds

attributive and in other combinations, as compliment-monger.
ΚΠ
1726 N. Amhurst Terræ-filius (1741) xliv. 232 I shall give you..instances of these ecclesiastical compliment-mongers.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online March 2021).

complimentv.

/kɒmplɪˈmɛnt/
Etymology: < French complimente-r, < compliment : see compliment n. Pronounced by some with stress on first syllable; but the final syllable is always clear.
1. intransitive. To employ ceremony or formal courtesy in act or expression; now only as absol. use of sense 2; ‘to use ceremonious or adulatory language’ (Johnson).
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use formal courtesy in act or expression [verb (intransitive)]
to complement it1617
complementa1625
to pay one's respects1652
to pass, pay, make, etc. a compliment1655
compliment1663
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use formal courtesy in act or expression [verb (intransitive)] > greet > offer formal greetings
to kiss the hand (hands)1597
compliment1663
a1625 F. Beaumont & J. Fletcher Coxcombe i. ii, in Comedies & Trag. (1647) sig. Nnv/1 Ser. Mistris there are 2. Gentlemen. Mar. Where? Ser. Complementing who should first enter.
1642 E. Reynolds Israels Petition 3 Complementing with God, and then forsaking him.
1644 J. Milton Areopagitica 8 Sometimes 5 Imprimaturs are seen together..in the Piatza of one Title page, complementing and ducking each to other with their shav'n reverences.
1658 A. Cokayne Trappolin iii. i, in Small Poems 469 Complement with me no more then I complement with you.]
1663 A. Cowley Cutter of Coleman-St. iv. viii. 52 My father sent me in to Complement [1710 etc., compliment], And keep a Prating here.
a1692 W. Mountfort Life & Death Faustus (1697) i. 9 (stage direct.) Here they Complement who shall go first.]
1697 J. Vanbrugh Relapse i. 6 Ha, ha, your Honor's Pleas'd to Compliment.
1816 J. Austen Emma III. ii. 14 Believe me. I never compliment . View more context for this quotation
1873 R. Browning Red Cotton Night-cap Country i. 44 A park—Yes, but à l'Anglaise, as they compliment!
2.
a. transitive. To address or greet with formal expressions of civility, respect, or regard; to pay a compliment to; ‘to soothe with acts or expressions of respect’ (Johnson); to flatter with polite and delicate praise.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > compliment > [verb (transitive)]
complement1649
compliment1668
1649 T. Fuller Just Mans Funeral 11 Rabshakeh pretended a Commission from God..and complements blasphemie.
1654 Bp. J. Taylor Real Presence 26 He cannot escape the Inquisition unlesse he complement the Church, and with a civility tell her that she knows better.
1661 A. Marvell Let. 6 Apr. in Poems & Lett. (1971) II. 22 Monsieur du Plessis.. is come ouer from them to complement his Majesty.]
1668 S. Pepys Diary 6 Mar. (1976) IX. 106 Being complimented [MS. complemented] by everybody with admiration.
a1680 S. Butler Genuine Remains (1759) I. 212 As Roman Noblemen were wont to greet, And compliment the Rabble in the Street.
1700 W. Calverley Memorandum Bk. in C. Jackson et al. Yorks. Diaries (1886) II. 92 Sir John sent..to complement them for their kindness.
1710 Life Bp. Stillingfleet 84 Ready..to strike with the Deists, to complement and cajole them.
1711 T. Hearne Remarks & Coll. (1889) III. 205 He complements me for my Ed. (most accurate Edition he calls it) of Leland's Itin.]
1735 G. Berkeley Def. Free-thinking in Math. 19, in Wks. (1871) III. 310 You are pleased to compliment me with depth of thought.
1830 I. D'Israeli Comm. Life Charles I III. ix. 207 The English themselves had been feasted and complimented.
1838 R. W. Emerson Addr. Divinity Coll. 29 You would compliment a coxcomb doing a good act, but you would not praise an angel.
b. to compliment away: to do away with, by compliments. to compliment (a person) into (a state), out of (a thing): to bring into, or ‘do’ out of, by compliments.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > will > motivation > persuasion > persuade (a person) [verb (transitive)] > wheedle, coax, or cajole > into or out of
coy1635
to complement away, out of1640
wheedle1667
to compliment (a person) into (a state), out of (a thing)1705
inveigle1849
blandander1888
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > compliment > [verb (transitive)] > do away with by compliments
to complement away, out of1640
to compliment away1826
1640 T. Nabbes Bride iii. ii As if the enterteinment..were not chargeable enough, but you must complement away wine and sweet meats.
1645 T. Fuller Good Thoughts in Bad Times iii. vi. 141 Cæsar complemented his life away.
1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. vi. 308 For, King Henry his smiles complemented the former out of their Houses.
1694 J. Collier Misc. i. 35 Lest Churchmen should complement away the Usefulness and Authority of their Calling; they would do well to decline superlative Observance.]
1705 A. Pope Corr. 23 June (1956) I. 9 Complimenting me into a better opinion of my self than I deserve.
1715 M. Davies Εἰκων Μικρο-βιβλικὴ 129 To shorten disputes..and so complement them out of their Heresies.]
1826 R. Southey Vindiciæ Ecclesiæ Anglicanæ 360 Prelates..complimenting away the possessions of their sees to the crown.
c. figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > use courteous actions or expressions to [verb (transitive)]
obeya1450
accomplement1601
to do (also perform) the honoura1645
complement1649
forsooth1661
complimenta1704
a1704 T. Brown Ess. Eng. Satyr in Wks. (1707) I. i. 33 Lycambes Complimented the Iambicks of Archilochus.
1710 T. Fuller Pharmacopœia Extemporanea 288 Lozengis are..fit for delicate nice Persons, that must have their Palates complimented.
1729 W. Law Serious Call xxiii. 469 Every thing that compliments or flatters your abilities.
1850 T. T. Lynch Memorials Theophilus Trinal v. 84 To think we compliment God's heaven by despising his earth.
3.
a. To congratulate formally (up)on; to felicitate.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > compliment > congratulation > congratulate (a person) [verb (transitive)]
faina1300
joy1483
congratulate1548
gratulate1598
felicitate1638
compliment1718
to slap (someone) on the back1908
1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 10 Mar. (1965) I. 383 She is immediately complemented upon it by the others.
1863 ‘G. Eliot’ Romola II. vi. 54 He was complimented on his opportune service.
1884 F. M. Crawford Rom. Singer (ed. 2) I. 22 I complimented the boy on the great progress he had made.
b. Formerly also: To offer formal condolence: cf. compliments of condolence at condolence n. 2a.
ΚΠ
1755 S. Johnson Dict. Eng. Lang. at Condoler One that compliments another upon his misfortunes [altered by Todd to ‘that condoles with’].
4. spec. To present (a person) with (a thing) as a mark of courtesy; to bestow (a degree, title, etc.) in compliment; to manifest courtesy by a gift or other favour.
ΚΠ
1682 H. Prideaux Lett. (1875) 125 Ld. Herbert [was] at the same time, made Mr. of Arts..the University have complimented him with this degree.]
1697 W. Dampier New Voy. around World xii. 328 He may be..complimented..with Tobacco and Betel nut.
1718 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 10 Mar. (1965) I. 384 I was complemented with perfumes.
1732 in L'pool Munic. Rec. (1886) II. 92 That the Right Honole Hugh Lord Willoughby..be complemented with his freedom.
1742 H. Fielding Joseph Andrews I. ii. iv. 183 Bellarmine had complimented her with a Brilliant from his Finger.
1772 S. Johnson Let. 27 Nov. (1992) I. 411 They complimented me with playing the fountains, and opening the cascade.
1855 T. B. Macaulay Hist. Eng. III. 600 Prince George..fully expected to be complimented with a seat in the royal coach.

Derivatives

compliˈmenting n.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > compliment > [noun] > making of compliments
complimenting1681
complimentation1834
the world > action or operation > behaviour > good behaviour > courtesy > courteous act or expression > [noun] > ceremonious > employing
complementing1627
complimenting1681
complimentation1834
1681 H. Neville Plato Redivivus 48 I thought you had said, Sir, that we should have done Complimenting.
1817 M. Keating Trav. I. 225 After due..complimenting among the principal personages on each part, we proceeded.
compliˈmentingly adv.
ΚΠ
1654 O. Cromwell Speech 12 Sept. (Carlyle) Not complimentingly—God knows!
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1891; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
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