complimentary

American  

[kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree, -tree] / ˌkɒm pləˈmɛn tə ri, -tri /

adjective

1. given free as a gift or courtesy.

   The hotel gives repeat guests a complimentary gift basket

2. expressing a compliment, often one that is politely flattering.

   a complimentary remark.

   Synonyms:

   laudatory, commendatory

   Antonyms:

   abusive

3. showing or conveying approval or favor.

   Our project was received in a complimentary spirit by the community.

   His analysis of our work was not as complimentary as we were hoping it would be.

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noun

plural

complimentaries

1. something given or supplied without charge, such as lodging, transportation, or meals, especially as an inducement to prospective customers.

complimentary British  

/ -trɪ, ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntərɪ /

adjective

1. conveying, containing, or resembling a compliment

2. expressing praise; flattering

3. given free, esp as a courtesy or for publicity purposes

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Usage

What’s the difference between complimentary and complementary? Complimentary is an adjective that can describe something intended to be a compliment—a comment that expresses praise or admiration of someone (as in a complimentary remark). It can also be used to mean that something is given for free, as in I hope we get complimentary snacks on this flight. Complementary is an adjective used to describe something that complements something else—goes along with it and serves to make it better or complete it (as in complementary colors).Since the primary senses of both words are generally used in positive contexts, it can be easy to confuse them.The easiest way to remember the difference is that complementary often involves something that completes something else, and complete also starts with c-o-m-p-l-e. On the other hand, you can remember that complimentary is spelled with an i because compliments are something that I like to get (and give). Nice shirt, by the way.Here’s an example of complimentary and complementary used correctly in the same sentence.Example: Sometimes, when the chef overhears complimentary feedback about a dish, she sends out a complimentary bottle of wine—one that’s complementary to the rest of the meal, of course.Want to learn more? Read about the difference between compliment and complement.

Other Word Forms

• complimentarily adverb
• complimentariness noun
• intercomplimentary adjective
• quasi-complimentary adjective
• uncomplimentary adjective

Etymology

Origin of complimentary

First recorded in 1620–30; compliment + -ary

Example Sentences

Mosaku: Everyone has been so complimentary and lovely about the movie.

From Los Angeles Times

Expedia has appeared more prominently in AI responses about hotels, for example, after adding granular descriptions of amenities like complimentary parking, streaming services and pools at certain locations, Koedijk said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Auditor General Stephen Boyle found the heritage body had issues with procurement, data breaches, problems with complimentary tickets to events and no formal register of interests for its leadership team in an annual audit.

From BBC

Choosing a prime money-market fund for the extra yield is like choosing a car for the complimentary air freshener.

From MarketWatch

Still, transaction fees alone aren’t enough to fund the kinds of perks travel brands are now offering, like free checked bags, status boosts and complimentary hotel stays.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• appreciative
• congratulatory
• polite
• respectful