noun / verb

compliment

KAHM-plih-munt/ˈkɑːmplɪmənt/

An expression of praise or admiration, or the act of expressing it.

The vase's maker smiles at a friend's warm compliment on the handmade pottery.

One friend warmly praises another friend's handmade ceramic vase, smiling with an admiring open hand toward the vase while its maker looks pleased; no speech bubbles.

Etymology

comLatinprobably adds emphasis

+pliLatinto fill

+mentLatinresult or means

With com- probably intensifying “fill,” the underlying idea was completion: a compliment fulfilled the obligations of politeness. Such courtesies came to mean expressions of praise or admiration.

In context

Bookfox7:30

but to the female character was a huge deal because it was like the first time he had ever said anything nice to her or given her any sort of compliment or praise.

If you don't use these 10 ways to end chapters, you'll lose readers

More examples

Customers often compliment the chef on her soups.
He accepts the compliment with a smile.
My teacher complimented me on how much my writing has improved.

Forms

compliment · compliments · complimented · complimenting

complimentary adjective — Expressing praise or admiration for someone.

Similar words

praise: Broader approval, not necessarily expressed as a personal remark.
flattery: Praise that is excessive or intended to gain favor.
commendation: More formal praise, often recognizing achievement or service.