compliment
Definitions
A polite remark expressing praise or admiration.
赞美的话，恭维。
(compliments) Formal good wishes or greetings.
（compliments）问候，致意。
To express praise or admiration to someone.
称赞，恭维（某人）。
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedHistorically the same word as complement (com- 'fully' + ple 'fill' = 'to fill out, round out'). A compliment 'rounds out' an interaction with kind, courteous words. The route through Italian/French (complimento, a ceremonial courtesy) split it from complement, so today compliment = praise a person, complement = complete a whole. Same fill-root, classic spelling trap.
Root ple still carries 42 more wordsCommon Collocations
- 1.pay a compliment称赞
- 2.return the compliment回敬称赞
- 3.fish for compliments讨人恭维
- 4.compliment someone on就……称赞某人
Example Sentences
- 1.
She paid me a lovely compliment about my dress.
- 2.
He complimented her on her excellent French.
- 3.
Please give my compliments to the chef.
Easily Confused
compliment vs complement — compliment (i) = a kind word of praise (pay a compliment); complement (e) = something that completes (a complement of staff; wine complements food). If you can say it to flatter a person, it's compliment.