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complimentary

[kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree, -tree]
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adjective

of the nature of, conveying, or expressing a compliment, often one that is politely flattering: a complimentary remark.
given free as a gift or courtesy: a complimentary ticket.

noun, plural com·pli·men·ta·ries.

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

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Read more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
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Compliment vs. Complement
Compliment and complement are commonly confused terms because they’re pronounced alike and originally shared some meanings. But over time, they’ve become separate words with entirely different definitions. What does complement mean? Complement with an E is the older of the two terms. Its noun sense has been around in English since the 1300s. The term derives from the Latin complēmentum, meaning “something that completes.” So, that means if …
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Origin of complimentary

First recorded in 1620–30; compliment + -ary
Related formscom·pli·men·ta·ri·ly, adverbcom·pli·men·ta·ri·ness, nounin·ter·com·pli·men·ta·ry, adjectivequa·si-com·pli·men·ta·ry, adjectiveun·com·pli·men·ta·ry, adjective

Synonyms for complimentary

1. commendatory, praising, laudatory.

Antonyms for complimentary

1. abusive, unflattering.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for complimentarily

Historical Examples of complimentarily

  • "That's very Yankee-like, I believe," he said complimentarily.

  • It complimentarily introduces a hint or two of Wagner's Grail motif.

  • I allude to the burning noonday sun, that makes this close-shut valley, as it is complimentarily called, a veritable furnace.

    The Roof of France

    Matilda Betham-Edwards

British Dictionary definitions for complimentarily

complimentary

adjective

conveying, containing, or resembling a compliment
expressing praise; flattering
given free, esp as a courtesy or for publicity purposes
Derived Formscomplimentarily, adverb
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for complimentarily

complimentary

adj.

1620s, "conveying a compliment," from compliment (n.) + -ary. In later use loosely meaning "free of charge."

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper