Meaning & use
complimentary
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Meanings
adjectivecomparable
Saying nice things that show praise, approval, or admiration.
Grammar: Often used before a noun; can also follow a linking verb like 'be' or 'seem'.
Patterns
- complimentary about someone/something
- a complimentary remark/comment
- be complimentary to someone
She made a complimentary remark about his cooking.
The critic was surprisingly complimentary about the new play.
He is always complimentary to his colleagues, which makes him well liked.
adjectivebefore a noun
Given free of charge, especially by a business or at an event.
Grammar: Used only before a noun; not usually used after 'be' in this sense.
Patterns
- a complimentary ticket
- complimentary breakfast
- complimentary copy
The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast to all guests.
We received complimentary tickets to the concert.
Please take a complimentary copy of the magazine.
Word forms
| comparative | more complimentary |
|---|---|
| superlative | most complimentary |
Common combinations
- highly complimentary
- The teacher was highly complimentary about her essay.
- complimentary remark
- He paid her a complimentary remark about her dress.
- complimentary ticket
- The organizers gave us complimentary tickets to the show.
- complimentary breakfast
- The price includes a complimentary breakfast.
Synonyms and how they differ
- flattering
- Flattering often suggests that the praise may be more than is deserved, while complimentary is more neutral and simply means expressing praise.
- admiring
- Admiring focuses on respect or approval for someone's qualities or achievements, whereas complimentary focuses on the words or remarks themselves.
- positive
- Positive is a broader word meaning favorable or hopeful; complimentary is specifically about praise or approval in what is said or written.
Opposites
Word family
- compliment noun
- A remark that expresses praise or admiration.
- compliment verb
- To praise or admire someone.
- complimentarily adverb
- In a way that expresses praise or is free of charge.
Commonly confused: complimentary or complementary?
complimentary vs complementary
Complementary means completing or going well with something else (e.g., complementary colors), while complimentary means praising or free.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'complimentary' correctly?
Choose one answer.
'Complimentary' means expressing praise, so 'She was complimentary about my presentation' fits. The other options confuse it with 'complementary' (meaning completing or matching), and 'complimentary insult' is contradictory.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “complimentary”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.