compliment

Where does the word "compliment" come from? It comes from Latin complere, passing through Italian before entering English (1600s).

Compliment’s story begins in Latin: complere meant “to fill up completely.” To fill up completely, from com- (thoroughly) and plere (to fill). By 1500s, the word had taken hold in Italian as complimento. An expression of courtesy that completes proper social conduct, from complire (to fulfill). It reached English by 1600s as compliment. Settled as the English word for a polite expression of praise. Today, compliment means a polite expression of praise or admiration.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient complere "to fill up completely", to fill up completely, from com- (thoroughly) and plere (to fill).
2. Stage 2 · Italian · 1500s complimento "an expression of courtesy", an expression of courtesy that completes proper social conduct, from complire (to fulfill).
3. Stage 3 · English · 1600s compliment "a polite expression of praise or admiration", settled as the English word for a polite expression of praise.