n. 1. An expression of praise, admiration, or congratulation. 2. A formal act of civility, courtesy, or respect. 3. compliments Good wishes; regards: Extend my compliments to your parents. See Usage Note at complement. tr.v. com·pli·ment·ed, com·pli·ment·ing, com·pli·ments 1. To pay a compliment to. 2. To show fondness, regard, or respect for by giving a gift or performing a favor. [French, from Italian complimento, from Spanish cumplimiento, from cumplir, to complete, from Latin complēre, to fill up : com-, intensive pref.; see COM- + plēre, to fill; see pelə-1 in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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