Compliment Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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compliment
[หkษmplษชmษnt ]
Definitions
giving praise
A polite expression of praise or admiration.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compliment |
Use when you want to express polite or kind words to someone, often to make them feel good about themselves.
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| praise |
Use when you want to express strong approval or admiration for someone, often publicly. It is generally sincere and well-deserved.
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| admiration |
Use when you want to show respect and warm approval for someone's qualities, achievements, or deeds.
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| flattery |
Use when giving excessive or insincere praise, often to manipulate or gain favor from someone. It has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He paid her a great compliment.
- She blushed at the compliment.
expressing admiration
To express admiration or praise for someone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| compliment |
Use this when you want to say something nice to someone to make them feel good. It's often about appearance, ability, or possessions.
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| praise |
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.
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| admire |
This is best for when you deeply respect or look up to someone or something. It can relate to qualities, achievements, or behaviors.
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| flatter |
Flattering often involves giving compliments that may be exaggerated or insincere, sometimes used to gain favor. It often has a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- He complimented her on her excellent work.
- She complimented him on his outfit.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research shows that receiving compliments can boost self-esteem and increase feelings of social connection.
- Giving compliments can also benefit the giver, leading to feelings of happiness and satisfaction.
- People often remember compliments longer than criticisms, highlighting the power of positivity in personal interactions.
Social Interactions
- In many cultures, giving compliments is a way to strengthen relationships and foster goodwill among individuals.
- Compliments can be non-verbal too, like a smile or thumbs up, expressing appreciation without words.
- The effectiveness of a compliment often depends on its sincerity; genuine praise tends to be more impactful.
Cultural Significance
- In Japan, the practice of giving compliments is tied to the concept of 'tatemae', or public face, reflecting social harmony.
- Conversely, in some cultures, direct compliments may be viewed as overstepping social boundaries, suggesting that context matters.
- Complimenting someone's effort rather than just their results can promote a growth mindset, encouraging perseverance.
Pop Culture
- Famous quotes like 'A compliment is a gift, so give it freely' have been highlighted in books and social media as reminders of kindness.
- In various movies and TV shows, characters often use compliments as a strategy to win affection or divert conflict.
- Social media has magnified the impact of compliments, where likes and comments can boost individualsโ morale significantly.
Origin of 'compliment'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'compliment' comes from the Latin 'complementum', meaning 'to fill up' or 'to complete', which reflects how compliments can fill someone's emotional tank.
- It entered the English language in the 16th century, originally referring to flattery or a polite expression of admiration.
- The spelling with 'i' became standard in the 18th century, distinguishing it from 'complement', which refers to something that completes another.
The word 'compliment' originated from the Latin word 'complementum', meaning 'fulfillment'. Over time, it evolved to the Middle French 'compliment' and eventually entered English. The use of compliments as expressions of praise or admiration dates back centuries, reflecting the human desire to appreciate and uplift others.