ENGLISH
REFERENCE

compliments

n. countable
B1 Intermediate US //ˈkɑmpɫəmɛnts// com·pli·ments

n. kind words that you say to someone to show you admire them or their work. You give these when you want to make someone feel good about themselves.

n. polite expressions of praise, commendation, or admiration. Often used in the plural to refer to the act of paying tribute to someone's qualities or achievements.


SIMPLE

She received many compliments on her new dress.

CONTEXTUAL

The chef came out to the dining room after the guests sent their compliments to the kitchen.

COMPLEX

While some people find it difficult to accept sincere compliments without deflection, such positive reinforcement is essential for maintaining morale within a high-pressure professional environment.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used with the verbs 'pay', 'give', or 'receive'.

Pitfall

She gave me a complementShe gave me a complimentLearners often confuse 'compliment' (praise) with 'complement' (something that completes or goes well with something else).

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