Complimentary

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛnt(ə)ɹi/

Definitions

  1. Expressing admiration or praise, provided without cost, or relating to elements that enhance or complete one another
  2. Pertaining to positive comments or expressions of support, given free of charge, or aspects that serve to augment or complement each other
  3. Expressing positive regard or flattery, offered at no charge, or describing items that serve to enhance or complete one another

Etymology: The adjective in question stems from the noun "compliment," which originally meant an expression of praise or admiration. This noun entered English in the early 17th century, likely borrowed from the French word "compliment," itself derived from the Italian "complimento." The Italian term was a polite expression, related to the Latin verb "complere," meaning "to fill up" or "complete," suggesting the idea of making something whole or perfect through courteous speech. By the late 17th and early 18th centuries, the adjective form began to emerge, describing something related to or expressing a compliment. Over time, its meaning broadened to include an additional sense: something given as a courtesy or free of charge, often as an expression of goodwill or politeness. This secondary meaning likely arose from the practice of giving "compliments" in the form of favors or gifts, thereby associating the term with acts of kindness beyond mere words. In modern usage, the word carries both senses depending on context. When describing remarks, it retains the connection to praise or flattery. When applied to services or goods, it indicates that these are provided free as a polite gesture. This duality illustrates how the concept of "completing" or "fulfilling" through courteous acts extended from verbal expressions to tangible offerings, weaving social grace into everyday interactions. Phonetically, the term maintains the stress pattern reflective of its Latin and Romance language heritage, with the accent on the penultimate syllable, a common feature for adjectives formed from nouns ending in "-ment." This pattern helps distinguish it from the similar-sounding but semantically distinct "complementary," which, despite near-identical spelling, relates to completion or enhancement rather than praise or courtesy.

Synonyms: praising, flattering, commendatory, laudatory, applauding

Antonyms: critical, disparaging, derogatory