complimentnoun
uk/ˈkɒm.plɪ.mənt/us/ˈkɑːm.plə.mənt/C2 [ C ] a remark that expresses approval, admiration, or respect:
He complained that his husband never paid him any compliments anymore.
I take it as a compliment (= I am pleased) when people say I look like my mother.
Are you fishing for (= trying to get) compliments?
Note:
- Do not confuse with complement.
C2 [ S ] an action that expresses approval or respect:
You should take it as a compliment when I fall asleep in your company - it means I'm relaxed.
Thank you so much for your help - I hope one day I'll be able to return/repay the compliment (= do something good for you).
my compliments... formal
an expression of your admiration or respect:
That was an excellent meal! My compliments to the chef.
with your compliments C2 formal
If you give something to someone with your compliments, you give it to that person free:
We enclose a copy of our latest brochure, with our compliments.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Remarks & remarking
- aside
- backbite
- backbiting
- bon mot
- comment
- externalize
- innuendo
- last word
- line
- mot juste
- observation
- one
- parenthesis
- parting shot
- platitude
- remark
- remark on sth
- riposte
- shaft
- the one about idiom
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You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
Praising and applauding
Linguistics: interjections
Costing little or no money
complimentverb [ T ]
uk/ˈkɒm.plɪ.mənt/us/ˈkɑːm.plə.mənt/C1 to praise or express admiration for someone:
I was just complimenting Robert on his wonderful food.
I must compliment you on your handling of a very difficult situation.
Thesaurus: synonyms and related words
Praising and applauding
- a pat on the back idiom
- acclaim
- acclamation
- accolade
- adulate
- cheer
- exalt
- extol
- felicitations
- fete
- full marks to sb idiom
- lay
- pat
- praise
- recognize
- rhapsodic
- rhapsody
- round of applause idiom
- shout-out
- sing
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