compliment Hear it!

compliment definition

com·pli·ment (käm′plə mənt; for v., -ment′)

noun

  1. a formal act or expression of courtesy or respect
  2. something said in admiration, praise, or flattery
  3. courteous greetings; respects send it with our compliments
  4. Now Chiefly Dial. a gift given for services; tip

Etymology: Fr < It complimento < Sp cumplimiento < cumplir, to fill up < VL *complire, for L complere, to complete

transitive verb

  1. to pay a compliment to; congratulate
  2. to present something to (a person) as an act of politeness or respect

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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