Compliment and appreciation are the two forms of nouns commonly used to praise, acknowledge, or value the excellent work of any individual, clan, community, or crowd. These nouns help to uplift the spirit of a person.
Key Takeaways
- A compliment is a specific, positive remark or praise about someone’s appearance, abilities, or qualities. At the same time, appreciation is a broader expression of gratitude or recognition for someone’s efforts, contributions, or qualities.
- Compliments are often focused on a single aspect or trait of a person, whereas appreciation encompasses a more general sense of value or acknowledgment of someone’s worth or efforts.
- The difference between a compliment and appreciation lies in their scope and focus: compliments are specific and targeted, while appreciation is more general and encompassing.
Compliment vs Appreciation
The difference between a compliment and an appreciation is that a compliment expresses gratitude, congratulation, encouragement or respect. In contrast, an appreciation is a just valuation or estimate of merit, worth or recognition of excellence.
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A compliment is an expression of praise, congratulations or respect. It is used to thank someone who has done something good for you or has done something you feel should be given a compliment or consideration.
An appreciation is a recognition or concern for something fascinating. Carrying something with great attention, like a work or statue, is an illustration of having an appreciation of it.
Comparison Table
Parameter of Comparison | Compliment | Appreciation |
---|---|---|
Meaning | Compliment relates to an encouraging comment or statement made about someone or something. It implies terms of praise or enthusiasm made about someone or something. | Appreciation is acknowledging someone’s value or demonstrating gratitude for something an individual has done. |
Used for | A compliment is a noun used to acknowledge a person or used to appreciate something. | Appreciation is used when you congratulate or respect someone or something that has done something good for you. |
Synonyms | Synonyms of compliment are:- · Tribute · Praise · Acclamation · Honor | Synonyms of appreciation are:- · Valuing · Respect · Prizing · Gratitude |
Antonyms | Antonyms of compliment are:- · Blame · Disfavor · Criticism · Opposition | Antonyms of appreciation are:- · Neglect · Loss · Disregard · Disparagement |
Example in a sentence | She liked wearing her black watch because of all her compliments about it. | It revealed that I could express my appreciation of fascinating and poetic ideas in straightforward and vibrant language. |
What is Compliment?
A compliment is a thoughtful attitude of regard and gratitude. It is, moreover, adopted to exhibit consent and honour.
Examples in a sentence
- She gave me the double-edged compliment of confessing my job was “impressive for a beginner”.
- They all appear to believe I raise rude questions, which I’ll accept as a compliment.
Compliment as a noun or verb:-
A compliment can either obtain the element of a noun or a verb.
When a compliment is expressed as a noun:-
- A comment that reflects the honour or consent of somebody.
- To compliment someone.
- It’s a big compliment to be consulted to do the assignment.
When a compliment is expressed as a verb:-
- Compliment someone (on something) to tell someone that you like or adore something they have accomplished, their impression, etc.
- He complimented him on his impressive Spanish.
What is Appreciation?
When you appreciate something, you can observe and recognise its favourable aspects. One route to indicate your appreciation for an awe-inspiring dance performance is to give a standing ovation and a big round of applause when it’s over.
Examples in a sentence
- I am apparent that judges, like all others, are happy to achieve appreciation and applause from others.
- We should love to assemble our attitude of thanks to the common appreciation conveyed.
Appreciation as a noun:-
An appreciation can obtain the element of the noun. Appreciation is not a verb.
When an appreciation is expressed as a noun:-
- Appreciation of something or appreciation for something is the feeling of being thankful for something.
- Please accept this reward in appreciation of all you’ve performed for us.
Moreover, expressing our fulfilled wants can further wholly relate to the gift of appreciation. For example:
- “I loved your singing; I felt an incredible elegance and satisfaction.”
- “I appreciate how you emerge with those outcomes; it gives rise to my motivation and art.”
Main Differences Between Compliment and Appreciation
A compliment is a respectful representation of gratitude or admiration, while appreciation is defined as a feeling of thankfulness.
The difference between compliment and appreciation can be clearly stated with an example:-
- Compliment – You are a tremendous communicator. Appreciation – I honestly endure a lot of sincerity and kindness from the manner you communicate.
- Complimenting is commenting on another person or a thing for its attractiveness, while appreciating is acknowledging how good someone or something is and valuing them.
- Words used to compliment someone or something are – Beautiful, Beneficial, Bliss, Delightful, Handsome etc. On the other hand, words that are used to appreciate someone are – You are a gift., You’re so incredible., You brighten my life. You’re the best., You’ve got the best looks etc.
- Some examples of compliments are:- You are such an excellent singer. You are so intelligent. While some examples of appreciation are:- I admired your singing. I liked the way you emerged with those solutions.
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/30028355
- https://www.asian-efl-journal.com/June_2008_EBook_editions.pdf#page=7
Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
When I tell my girlfriend that you look amazing today then is it compliment or appreciation?
Hi Dave,
IMO that is a compliment because appreciation is usually given for a work that is done. In this case, she is getting positive feedback for her looks which is inherent to her and natural.
So if I have to use both in a single sentence then I would day, I gave a compliment to my girlfriend and she appreciated it.