complimentary

complimentary — adjective

1. describing someone or something with positive words that show you think highly o

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describing someone or something with positive words that show you think highly of them or their work

例句

The manager made several complimentary remarks about Esteban's presentation.

complimentary remarks about [something]

Lotte received a complimentary email from a customer who appreciated her quick response.

同義詞
  • flattering

    suggests the praise may exaggerate slightly to please the recipient; less formal

  • admiring

    focuses on looking up to someone's qualities rather than evaluating their work

  • appreciative

    emphasises gratitude alongside the praise

  • laudatory

    very formal; used mainly in written reviews or official statements

反義詞
  • critical

    focuses on faults rather than good qualities

  • disparaging

    expresses a low opinion of someone or something

文法句型

complimentary + noun (attributive)

be + complimentary + about + noun phrase

用法筆記

Often used in professional or public contexts such as reviews, feedback forms, and award ceremonies. When followed by 'about', it introduces the person or thing being praised.

常見錯誤

❌The teacher wrote a complementary note on my essay.
✅The teacher wrote a complimentary note on my essay.
💡'Complimentary' means praising; 'complementary' means completing or matching.

2. offered to customers without payment, typically by a company to show goodwill or

2.形容詞B2
釋義

offered to customers without payment, typically by a company to show goodwill or encourage future business

例句

All hotel guests receive a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning.

collocation: complimentary breakfast

The airline gave Yan a complimentary upgrade to business class for his long flight.

同義詞
  • free

    more general and common; does not carry the connotation of a courtesy or gift

  • compliments of

    a set phrase used to indicate who is providing the free item (e.g., 'dinner with the compliments of the chef')

  • on the house

    informal; used specifically for free drinks or food at bars and restaurants

反義詞

文法句型

complimentary + noun (ticket / copy / upgrade / breakfast / gift)

用法筆記

This sense is almost always used before a noun (attributive position). It is common in tourism, hospitality, publishing, and event contexts. Unlike 'free', 'complimentary' strongly implies the item is a gesture of goodwill rather than a general price of zero.

常見錯誤

❌The meal was complimentary because the restaurant has no prices.
✅The meal was complimentary because the manager wanted to thank us for waiting.
💡'Complimentary' implies a deliberate gift, not just a zero price.