How Do You Spell COMPLIMENT?

Pronunciation: [kˈɒmplɪmənt] (IPA)

The word "compliment" is spelled with two "m"s and one "i" despite the pronunciation that might suggest otherwise. The phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈkɑmpləmənt/. The double "m" is a result of the combination of the Latin roots "com-" meaning together and "plere" meaning to fill. The word is commonly confused with "complement" which means to enhance or complete something. It's important to pay attention to the spelling of these words and their respective meanings to avoid any confusion.

COMPLIMENT Meaning and Definition

  1. A compliment is a positive statement or expression of praise, admiration, or appreciation given to someone in order to honor or acknowledge their abilities, qualities, achievements, appearance, or behavior. It is a form of social gesture intended to make the recipient feel good about themselves or their actions.

    Compliments are often spoken or written words, but they can also be conveyed through non-verbal means such as body language, gestures, or actions. They are typically given freely and genuinely, without any ulterior motive or expectation of reciprocation.

    Compliments serve various purposes, including building self-esteem, strengthening relationships, and fostering positive interactions between individuals. They can be a powerful tool to enhance social bonds, boost morale, and create a positive atmosphere. Compliments can be given in both personal and professional contexts, and they can be directed towards friends, family members, colleagues, acquaintances, or even strangers.

    A well-delivered compliment is sincere, specific, and tailored to the individual receiving it. It effectively highlights and acknowledges the person's unique qualities or accomplishments, making them feel valued and appreciated. However, it is important to note that compliments should always be given genuinely and respectfully, without objectifying or devaluing the person.

    In summary, a compliment is a positive and flattering statement or gesture that recognizes and celebrates the merits and contributions of an individual, ultimately making them feel esteemed, encouraged, and recognized.

  2. • An expression of civility, respect, or regard-used in this sense generally in the plu., as, my compliments to a friend; a present or favour bestowed.
    • To flatter; to praise; to congratulate; to address with expressions of approbation, esteem, or respect.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for COMPLIMENT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for COMPLIMENT

Etymology of COMPLIMENT

The word "compliment" has its roots in Latin. It originated from the Latin word "complimentum", which means "fulfillment" or "accomplishment". The word later evolved in Middle French as "complimenter", which meant "to praise" or "to flatter". The English word "compliment" emerged in the 16th century, retaining its core meaning of expressing praise or admiration.

Idioms with the word COMPLIMENT

  • return the compliment The idiom "return the compliment" means to respond to someone's kind remark or action by expressing similar kindness or giving a similar compliment in return.
  • pay sm a backhanded compliment To "pay someone a backhanded compliment" means to make a seemingly positive statement about someone but with hidden criticism or insult. It involves praising someone in a way that is actually sarcastic, insincere, or undermines their confidence.
  • backhanded compliment A backhanded compliment is an expression that appears to be a praise or compliment, but actually includes a subtly negative or insulting comment. It is a remark that seems to acknowledge something positive about someone or their achievements, but also contains a hidden insult or criticism.
  • a backhanded compliment A backhanded compliment refers to a remark or comment that appears to be praise or admiration but actually contains a subtle insult or criticism. It is a form of compliment that is indirectly negative or sarcastic, undermining the recipient's achievements or qualities.
  • pay sm compliment The idiom "pay someone a compliment" means to express admiration, praise, or approval to someone for something they have said or done. It involves giving someone a compliment as an act of kindness or recognition.
  • fish for a compliment The idiom "fish for a compliment" refers to the act of seeking praise or positive remarks from someone, often through subtle or indirect means. It denotes the desire for validation or recognition of one's abilities, appearance, or achievements. It involves attempting to elicit compliments or praise from others.
  • compliment sm on sth The idiom "compliment someone on something" means to praise or express admiration for a particular quality, achievement, or action of someone. It involves offering words of appreciation or acknowledgment for their specific attribute or accomplishment.
  • pay compliment The idiom "pay a compliment" means to express admiration, praise, or a positive remark about someone's appearance, behavior, accomplishments, or qualities.
  • pay a backhanded compliment The idiom "pay a backhanded compliment" refers to a situation where someone gives a compliment, but it is actually intended to insult or criticize the recipient in a subtle or indirect manner. In other words, it is a compliment that appears to be positive at first, but carries a negative or sarcastic undertone.
  • left-handed compliment A left-handed compliment is an expression or statement that appears to be a compliment at first glance but actually contains a subtle insult or criticism. It is a backhanded compliment, making the recipient feel belittled or undermined despite the seemingly positive words used.
  • back-handed compliment A back-handed compliment refers to a statement that appears to be a compliment on the surface but contains a subtle insult or criticism in disguise. It is a remark that seems positive but is actually intended to undermine or belittle someone.
  • pay someone a backhanded compliment To "pay someone a backhanded compliment" means to give someone a compliment that also includes a subtle or hidden insult or criticism. It is a form of compliment that is not genuinely sincere, but rather expresses a disguised negative opinion about the person being complimented.
  • compliment (someone) on (something) The idiom "compliment (someone) on (something)" means to express admiration, praise, or approval to someone about a specific quality, achievement, or attribute they possess or possess. It involves giving someone a compliment or positive feedback regarding a particular aspect of their personality, appearance, work, or actions.
  • pay someone compliment The idiom "pay someone a compliment" means to express admiration, praise, or positive remarks to someone about their appearance, skills, or achievements. It involves acknowledging and highlighting one's positive qualities or actions as a gesture of appreciation.
  • pay a compliment The idiom "pay a compliment" means to express admiration, praise, or positivity towards someone by offering them a kind, flattering, or appreciative remark. It usually involves acknowledging and highlighting their qualities, actions, or attributes in a positive manner.
  • Chinese compliment A "Chinese compliment" is a compliment that is actually a subtle insult or criticism disguised as praise. It refers to a backhanded compliment given in a way that may be perceived as insincere or misleading.

Similar spelling words for COMPLIMENT

Plural form of COMPLIMENT is COMPLIMENTS

Conjugate verb Compliment

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have complimented
you would have complimented
he/she/it would have complimented
we would have complimented
they would have complimented
I would have compliment
you would have compliment
he/she/it would have compliment
we would have compliment
they would have compliment

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been complimenting
you would have been complimenting
he/she/it would have been complimenting
we would have been complimenting
they would have been complimenting

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would compliment
you would compliment
he/she/it would compliment
we would compliment
they would compliment

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be complimenting
you would be complimenting
he/she/it would be complimenting
we would be complimenting
they would be complimenting

FUTURE

I will compliment
you will compliment
he/she/it will compliment
we will compliment
they will compliment

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be complimenting
you will be complimenting
he/she/it will be complimenting
we will be complimenting
they will be complimenting

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have complimented
you will have complimented
he/she/it will have complimented
we will have complimented
they will have complimented

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been complimenting
you will have been complimenting
he/she/it will have been complimenting
we will have been complimenting
they will have been complimenting

IMPERATIVE

you compliment
we let´s compliment

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to compliment

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was complimenting
you were complimenting
he/she/it was complimenting
we were complimenting
they were complimenting

PAST PARTICIPLE

complimented

PAST PERFECT

I had complimented
you had complimented
he/she/it had complimented
we had complimented
they had complimented

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been complimenting
you had been complimenting
he/she/it had been complimenting
we had been complimenting
they had been complimenting

PRESENT

I compliment
you compliment
he/she/it compliments
we compliment
they compliment

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am complimenting
you are complimenting
he/she/it is complimenting
we are complimenting
they are complimenting

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

complimenting

PRESENT PERFECT

I have complimented
you have complimented
he/she/it has complimented
we have complimented
they have complimented

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been complimenting
you have been complimenting
he/she/it has been complimenting
we have been complimenting
they have been complimenting

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it compliment

SIMPLE PAST

I complimented
you complimented
he/she/it complimented
we complimented
they complimented

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