Compliments

/ˈkɑmpləmənts/ noun

Definition

polite or flattering remarks saying something good about someone or something.

Etymology

From Latin 'complere' meaning to complete or fill up. A compliment 'completes' someone's sense of worth by adding praise. Not to be confused with 'complement' (something that completes).

Kelly Says

Compliment and complement sound identical but come from the same root 'complere' (complete)—a compliment 'completes' your pride, while a complement 'completes' an outfit. Medieval people had the same trouble spelling them!

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