Compliment: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when you want to express polite or kind words to someone, often to make them feel good about themselves.

• She gave me a compliment about my dress
• He complimented her on her cooking skills

Use when you want to express strong approval or admiration for someone, often publicly. It is generally sincere and well-deserved.

• The teacher praised the student for her excellent work
• He received praise for his heroic actions

Use when you want to show respect and warm approval for someone's qualities, achievements, or deeds.

• She has great admiration for her mentor
• His bravery earned the admiration of his peers

Use when giving excessive or insincere praise, often to manipulate or gain favor from someone. It has a negative connotation.

• His flattery made her suspicious
• She was tired of his constant flattery

Use this when you want to say something nice to someone to make them feel good. It's often about appearance, ability, or possessions.

• She complimented him on his new haircut.
• Your presentation was excellent; you did a great job.

Praise is ideal for when you want to express strong approval or admiration, especially publicly. It's often more formal and can be related to achievements or character.

• The teacher praised the students for their hard work.
• She was praised for her leadership during the crisis.

This is best for when you deeply respect or look up to someone or something. It can relate to qualities, achievements, or behaviors.

• I really admire her dedication to her job.
• They admire the bravery of the firefighters.

Flattering often involves giving compliments that may be exaggerated or insincere, sometimes used to gain favor. It often has a negative connotation.

• He flattered his boss in hopes of getting a promotion.
• Don't try to flatter me; I know it's not true.