compliment

A compliment is a speech act that expresses praise, admiration, or gratitude toward another person, typically in relation to the person's appearance, qualities, or achievements. Compliments are common in everyday interactions and can serve to acknowledge a positive attribute or effort. They differ from mere casual praise in that they are directed, specific, and usually offered with positive intent, though they may be misapplied or insincere.

The word derives from Old French compliment, from Latin complimentum, historically meaning a courteous expression of praise or deference. In English, compliments can take the form of evaluative statements, such as "That color suits you," or "Great work on the report," and they can be explicit or subtle.

Social function: compliments ease social friction, convey approval, and build rapport. They can reinforce norms, encourage effort, and function as social lubrication. Types include sincere compliments (based on genuine appraisal), social niceties (polite, noncommittal praise), and feedback-oriented compliments (acknowledging specific achievements). They may also be perceived as flattery if excessive or insincere, or misinterpreted if there is a power imbalance or cultural mismatch.

Cultural and individual variation affects how compliments are given and received. Some cultures prefer modesty or reciprocity; misaligned compliments can cause discomfort or misread intentions. Reciprocating a compliment—returning praise or praise-laden statements—can be common but is not always expected. In everyday use, tailoring the compliment to the context and the recipient increases its likelihood of being welcomed.