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complimentary

[kom-pluh-men-tuh-ree, -tree]
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adjective
  1. of the nature of, conveying, or expressing a compliment, often one that is politely flattering: a complimentary remark.
  2. given free as a gift or courtesy: a complimentary ticket.
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noun, plural com·pli·men·ta·ries.
  1. something given or supplied without charge, as lodging, transportation, or meals, especially as an inducement to prospective customers.
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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

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1. commendatory, praising, laudatory.

Antonyms

1. abusive, unflattering.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for complimentarily

Historical Examples

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

    The Cruise of the Dry Dock

    T. S. Stribling

  • 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
  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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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."

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper