compliment Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration
  2. verb say something to someone that expresses praise
    congratulate.
    • He complimented her on her last physics paper
  3. verb express respect or esteem for

WordNet

Com"pli*ment noun
Etymology
F. compliment. It complimento, fr. comlire to compliment, finish, suit, fr. L. complere to fill up. See Complete, and cf. Complement.
Definitions
  1. 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.
    Tedious waste of time, to sit and hear So many hollow compliments and lies. Milton.
    Many a compliment politely penned. Cowper.
    Syn. -- See Adulation.
Com"pli*ment transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To praise, flatter, or gratify, by expressions of approbation, respect, or congratulation; to make or pay a compliment to.
    Monarchs should their inward soul disguise; . . . Should compliment their foes and shun their friends. Prior.
    Syn. -- To praise; flatter; adulate; commend.
Com"pli*ment intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect.
    I make the interlocutors, upon occasion, compliment with one another. Boyle.

Webster 1913