ENGLISH
REFERENCE

complimentary

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˌkɑmpɫəˈmɛntɝi// UK //kˌɒmplɪmˈɛntəɹi// com·pli·men·ta·ry

adj. given for free, usually as a gift or a polite service. It can also describe something that expresses praise or admiration.

adj. given free of charge, typically as a courtesy or for promotional purposes; alternatively, expressing praise or admiration. Often used in hospitality contexts or to describe professional feedback.


SIMPLE

The hotel provides a complimentary breakfast for all guests.

CONTEXTUAL

After the long delay, the airline offered complimentary drinks and snacks to the frustrated passengers.

COMPLEX

While the critic was generally harsh toward the director's previous work, her review of the new film was surprisingly complimentary, highlighting the nuanced performances of the lead actors.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From compliment (noun) + -ary. Piecewise doublet of complementary.

Usage

Often used attributively before a noun ('complimentary tickets'). When meaning 'praising', it is often followed by the preposition 'about'.

Pitfall

the colors are complimentarythe colors are complementaryLearners confuse 'complimentary' (free/praising) with 'complementary' (things that go well together).

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