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complimentary
/ˌkɒmplɪˈmɛntri/
free of charge
The hotel offered complimentary breakfast to all guests.
The breakfast was free for everyone staying at the hotel.
formalinformal
free of charge; given without payment
The airline provides complimentary snacks on short flights.
Passengers receive free snacks during short flights.
She received a complimentary copy of the book.
She got a free copy of the book.
Often used in hospitality, marketing, and customer service contexts.
formalinformal
expressing praise or admiration
He gave her a complimentary remark about her presentation.
He praised her presentation with kind words.
Less common usage, often confused with 'complementary' (mutually enhancing).
Collocations
complimentary breakfastfree breakfast provided by a hotel or servicecomplimentary copya free sample or gift copy of a book or productcomplimentary servicea service provided without charge
Synonyms
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Common Confusion
Remember that 'complimentary' means free or praising, while 'complementary' means completing or enhancing.
Gold Rule
Primary Meaning
In most contexts, 'complimentary' means 'free of charge'.
Word Origin
From Latin 'complimentarius' (relating to compliments), from 'complimentum' (a compliment). The meaning 'free of charge' emerged in the 18th century.
Usage Notes
Often confused with 'complementary' (as in 'complementary colors'). 'Complimentary' refers to praise or free items, while 'complementary' means completing or enhancing something.
Word Breakdown
compliment
praise or admiration
root-ary
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary