compliment
Translation
praise, admiration, flattery
Examples
She gave me a nice compliment.
She gave me a nice compliment.
He paid her a compliment on her dress.
He paid her a compliment on her dress.
Grammar Patterns
to pay ((sb.)) a compliment to praise someone He paid her a compliment on her dress.
to give ((sb.)) a compliment to praise someone She gave me a nice compliment.
Similar Words
Synonyms: praise, flattery; Antonyms: insult, criticism. Don't confuse with 'complement' (with an 'e').
Etymology
From Latin 'complere' (to fill up, complete), referring to the act of 'fulfilling' the forms of courtesy.
Memory Tips
Remember the 'i' in compl'i'ment is for something 'I' say to be nice.