English · Word Candidate

compliment

/ˈkɑmpləmənt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: compliments · complimenting · complimented

Sense 1

Meaning · English

An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.

Noun

Examples

pay someone a compliment

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Complimentary language; courtesy, flattery.

Noun

Examples

He told the Captain, He was heartily sorry for his Misfortunes; tho’ in my Opinion that was nothing but a Compliment: For, as I found afterwards, he was more brutish, and dishonest, than most of the other Kings on the Island […]

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To pay a compliment (to someone); to express a favourable opinion (of someone).

Verb

Examples

[…] She transferr'd the curs'd Advice, / That Monarchs ſhould their inward Soul diſguise, / Diſſemble, and command; be falſe, and wiſe; / By ignominous Arts for ſervile Ends / Should compliment their Foes, and ſhun their Friends.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “compliment” mean?

An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.

Is “compliment” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.