Complimentary
/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/
Definitions
3 meaningsExpressing a compliment or praise; praising or approving.
/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/
Expressing praise or admiration
The audience offered complimentary applause after the performance.
💡 Simply: When you say something nice about someone, you are being complimentary. Like when you tell your friend you like her new shoes. It's a way of showing appreciation.
👶 For kids: Saying something nice about someone or something.
More Examples
The chef received a complimentary review of his new menu.
She made a complimentary gesture by bringing flowers to her host.
How It's Used
"She gave me a complimentary review of my presentation."
"The critics offered complimentary remarks about the film's cinematography."
Given or provided free of charge; without cost or payment.
/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/
Given or provided free of charge
The airline offered complimentary drinks and snacks on the flight.
💡 Simply: Something given to you for free, like a free drink at a restaurant or a free sample at the store. Companies often offer things that are complimentary to attract customers.
👶 For kids: Something that is free, like a toy or a treat.
More Examples
The store provided a complimentary gift with every purchase.
She received a complimentary upgrade to first class.
How It's Used
"The hotel offered complimentary breakfast to its guests."
"The company provided complimentary samples of their new product."
Serving to complete or enhance something; forming a harmonious whole.
/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntəri/
Serving to complete or perfect something
The two colors were complimentary to each other.
💡 Simply: When things go well together, like colors that look nice next to each other.
👶 For kids: When things go together well.
More Examples
The new employee's skills perfectly complemented the team's existing expertise.
The side dish was complimentary to the main course.
How It's Used
"The artist used complimentary colors to create visual interest."
"The furniture perfectly complemented the room's decor"
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
complimentary close
A polite phrase at the end of a letter or email.
"Sincerely, Yours truly, and Best regards are all examples of complimentary closes."
From French *complimentaire*, from Latin *complēmentārius* ('that completes'), from *complēre* ('to complete'). The word originally referred to something that completed or supplemented something else, later developing the meaning of expressing praise.
The term's earliest uses pertained to something that completed or supplemented something else, gradually shifting to encompass expressions of praise and things given free of charge.
Memory tip
Think of receiving a compliment – it's complimentary! Praising someone.
Word Origin
"to complete"