- 1[countable] a remark that expresses praise or admiration of someone to pay someone a compliment (= to praise them for something) “You understand the problem because you're so much older.” “I'll take that as a compliment!” It's a great compliment to be asked to do the job. to return the compliment (= to treat someone in the same way as they have treated you)
- 2compliments [plural] (formal) polite words or good wishes, especially when used to express praise and admiration My compliments to the chef! Idioms
a remark that seems to express admiration but could also be understood as an insult
Check pronunciation: compliment