French word

compliment

Pronunciation

IPA/kɔ̃plimɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nouncompliment

Example

Il m'a fait un compliment.

He gave me a compliment.

Illustration for compliment (compliment)

More examples

Elle a reçu un compliment pour son travail.

She received a compliment for her work.

Core concept

A short expression that places a person's quality, action, or appearance in a positive light.

Common phrases

  • faire un compliment

    give a compliment

  • recevoir un compliment

    receive a compliment

  • faire des compliments

    give compliments

Similar words

félicitations: Words expressing congratulations for a success or special occasion.
flatterie: Praise offered to win favor or gain an advantage, often insincerely.

Definition in French

Formule courte adressée à quelqu'un pour louer une qualité, un acte ou son apparence et marquer de la bienveillance ou du respect.

Word origin

French compliment came through Italian complimento from Latin complere, 'to fill', with its sense developing toward words that express praise.

Usage tips

  • The French noun compliment is masculine, and the usual pattern is faire un compliment à quelqu'un.

Other meanings

  • praisenoun
  • flatterynoun

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word