Compliment
['kɒmplɪm(ə)nt] or ['kɑmpləmənt]
Definition
(noun.) a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration.
(verb.) say something to someone that expresses praise; 'He complimented her on her last physics paper'.
(verb.) express respect or esteem for.
Checked by Adrienne--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) An expression, by word or act, of approbation, regard, confidence, civility, or admiration; a flattering speech or attention; a ceremonious greeting; as, to send one's compliments to a friend.
(v. t.) To praise, flatter, or gratify, by expressions of approbation, respect, or congratulation; to make or pay a compliment to.
(v. i.) To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect.
Typed by Ada
Synonyms and Synonymous
n. Praise, commendation, encomium, laudation, flattering remark, good word.
v. a. Praise, commend, flatter (by expressions of civility).
Typed by Greta
Synonyms and Antonyms
[See PRAISE]
SYN:Homage, courtesy, flattery, praise
ANT:Insult, discourtesy, contempt
Edited by Denny
Definition
n. an expression of regard or praise: delicate flattery: an expression of formal respect or civility: a present.—v.t. Compliment′ to pay a compliment to: to express respect for: to praise: to flatter: to congratulate: to make a present.—v.i. to make compliments.—adjs. Compliment′al expressing or implying compliment; Compliment′ary conveying or expressive of civility or praise: using compliments.—n. Compliment′er one who pays compliments.—Compliments of the season compliments appropriate to special times as Christmas and birthdays; Left-handed compliment a saying intended to seem a compliment but in reality the reverse; Pay or Present one's compliments to give one's respects or greeting.
Edited by Barton
Unserious Contents or Definition
v. t., From Eng. con,—hot air, and Lat. pleo, to fill. Hence, to fill with hot air.
Typed by Harley
Examples
- It is quite too transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- A very proper compliment! Jane Austen. Emma.
- Aunt March likes to have us pay her the compliment of coming in style, and making a formal call. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- To yield without conviction is no compliment to the understanding of either. Jane Austen. Pride and Prejudice.
- Stimulated either by this compliment, or by her burning indignation, that illustrious woman then added, 'Let him meet it if he can! Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- He seemed to consider himself hardly less indebted to me, than to Mr. Micawber; which I consider (as I told him) quite a compliment. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- Mr. Pickwick acknowledged the compliment, and cordially shook hands with the stout gentleman in the top-boots. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- My compliments to her. Charles Dickens. Our Mutual Friend.
- Next day, boy calls: “Very sorry--his mistake-- immense business--great many parcels to deliver--Mr. Sawyer's compliments--late Nockemorf. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- He sat looking at her, and did not rise to pay her any compliments, leaving that to others, now that his admiration was deepened. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- The fact is, neither English men nor women pay each other compliments at all—at least, it's not supposed to be good form. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- Hence she had her share of compliments and polite attentions. George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- Laurie's a nice boy and I like him, and I won't have any sentimental stuff about compliments and such rubbish. Louisa May Alcott. Little Women.
- Maurice says English gentlemen do not pay ladies compliments. Fergus Hume. The Island of Fantasy.
- He knew as well as I did that it was just as likely, at that time of year, I was going down there whaling; but I felt complimented, too. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- She gave her evidence in the gamest way, and was highly complimented by the Bench, and cheered right home to her lodgings. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- At two o'clock he bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had written, and locked the door of the office after me. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.
- Go to my father if you want to be complimented. Jane Austen. Mansfield Park.
- You complimented me two minutes since on my powerful mind. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- I am accustomed to be complimented by strangers as the--ha--Father of the Marshalsea. Charles Dickens. Little Dorrit.
- Captain Keeldar was complimented on his taste; the compliment charmed him. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- What answer was possible to such stupid complimenting? George Eliot. Middlemarch.
- Mr. Rochester led in Miss Ingram; she was complimenting him on his acting. Charlotte Bronte. Jane Eyre.
Inputed by DeWitt