Compliment (en. Compliment)

/kɔ̃.p.li.mɑ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Act of speaking well of someone.
He complimented her on her new hairstyle.
Il lui a fait un compliment sur sa nouvelle coiffure.
Flattering remark.
She received many compliments after her performance.
Elle a reçu de nombreux compliments après sa prestation.
Polite expression conveying a pleasant feeling.
The compliments he received touched him deeply.
Les compliments qu'il a reçus l'ont beaucoup touché.

Etymology

From the Latin 'complementum', which means 'that which completes'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

to give a compliment
To express a positive appreciation to someone.
faire un compliment
to receive a compliment
To be the target of a flattering remark.
recevoir un compliment
to compliment someone
To praise someone.
complimenter quelqu'un

Related Words

congratulations
Expression of acknowledgment or praise.
félicitations
appreciation
Recognition of someone's value or merits.
appréciation
flattery
Excessive satisfaction of others' feelings, often out of self-interest.
flatterie

Slang Meanings

Complimenting in an exaggerated manner.
He threw a monstrous compliment at his buddy.
Il a balancé un compliment monstrueux à son pote.
Complimenting in a nonchalant way.
She hands out compliments like candy.
Elle distribue des compliments comme des bonbons.