Langimage
English

uncomplimentary

|un/com/pli/men/ta/ry|

C1

🇺🇸

/ˌʌnˌkɑːmpləˈmentəri/

🇬🇧

/ˌʌnˌkɒmplɪˈmentəri/

critical or disparaging

Etymology
Etymology Information

'uncomplimentary' originates from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and the word 'complimentary', which comes from the Latin 'complementum', meaning 'that which fills up or completes'.

Historical Evolution

'complimentary' changed from the Latin word 'complementum' and eventually became the modern English word 'complimentary'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, 'complimentary' meant 'that which fills up or completes', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'expressing praise or approval'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

expressing a lack of praise or approval; critical or disparaging.

The review was uncomplimentary, highlighting the film's many flaws.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45