First Known Use: 1714
Dictionary
complimentary
adjective com·pli·men·ta·ry \ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-t(ə-)rē\
: expressing praise or admiration for someone or something
: given for free
Full Definition of COMPLIMENTARY
1
a : expressing praise or admiration : expressing or containing a compliment <a complimentary remark> b : favorable <the novel received complimentary reviews>
2
: given free as a courtesy or favor <complimentary tickets>
— com·pli·men·ta·ri·ly \-ˈmen-t(ə-)rə-lē, -(ˌ)men-ˈter-ə-lē\ adverb
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Examples of COMPLIMENTARY
- Furtado is as complimentary about Elliott's manicure … as she is about Elliott's business acumen. —David A. Keeps, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2001
- In the bar that evening I at last had the Holiday Inn's complimentary drink, “Tropical Aura.” —V. S. Naipaul, Among the Believers, 1981
- Wilbur had been feeling dizzier and dizzier through this long, complimentary speech. When he heard the crowd begin to cheer and clap again, he suddenly fainted away. —E. B. White, Charlotte's Web, 1952
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Origin of COMPLIMENTARY
(see 1compliment)
Related to COMPLIMENTARY
Rhymes with COMPLIMENTARY
COMPLIMENTARY Defined for Kids
complimentary
adjective com·pli·men·ta·ry \ˌkäm-plə-ˈmen-tə-rē, -ˈmen-trē\
Definition of COMPLIMENTARY for Kids
1
: expressing or containing praise, approval, respect, or admiration <complimentary remarks>
2
: given free as a courtesy or favor <complimentary tickets>
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