take off
EnglishMerriam-Webster Dictionary: a situation or a detail of character complicating the main thread of a plot
EnglishMerriam-Webster Dictionary : a making difficult, involved, or intricate
: a complex or intricate feature or element
: a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes
: a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition
Examples
- //The negotiations stalled when complications arose.
- //Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS.
- //She experienced complications during her pregnancy.
- //The patient died of complications from surgery.
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1aHistory and Etymology
Middle English complicacioun, borrowed from Late Latin complicātiōn-, complicātiō "folding together, conglomeration," from Latin complicāre "to fold together, fold up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complicate entry 2complication
noun
Synonyms
- something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult //the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding receptionSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous Phrases
- an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning //complications set in after the surgerySynonymsRelated WordsNear Antonyms
- the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects //a problem of such irreducible complication as to defy any easy solutionSynonymsRelated WordsAntonyms
compliment
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : formal and respectful recognition : honor
- —used in the phrase compliments of to identify the donor or source of a gift or free item or service //For less than $10, she gets transportation to the real-estate tycoon's casino, a voucher worth about $13 in cash, a meal ticket and a coupon good for $5 on her next visit—all compliments of the casino. — Julie Amparano —often used ironically to identify the source of something that is not wanted //He received a speeding ticket, compliments of the state police. //Add two more games to the list of area basketball postponements this week, compliments of wintry weather. — Marq Mitcham
NOTE: Do not confuse compliment with complement. Compliment implies communication, as in “guests complimenting us on the meal” and “compliments to the chef.” Meanwhile, complement shares its first two syllables with the word complete, and has meanings that relate to completion, as in “a tangy sauce that complements the rich dessert” and “artwork that is a perfect complement to the room's décor.”
complimented; complimenting; compliments
Definition (Entry 2 of 2)
- transitive verb
- : to express esteem, respect, affection, or admiration to : to pay a compliment to //complimented the pianist on his performance
- : to present with a token of esteem //complimented her with an honorary degree
Examples
Noun
- //He told her he admired her paintings and she returned the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.
- //When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest compliment we can get.
Verb
- //complimented her on her election victory
History and Etymology
Noun
borrowed from French, Italian & Spanish; French, borrowed from Italian & Spanish; Italian complimento, borrowed from Spanish cumplimiento, complimiento "offer made solely for reasons of etiquette," earlier "abundance," from cumplir "to go along (with), meet the expectations (of), satisfy (obligations of courtesy)," earlier, "to carry out, execute, fulfill" + -miento -ment — more at complyNOTE: In the seventeenth century the word was often spelled complement, and complement entry 1 was occasionally spelled compliment. Senses of complement current in early Modern English, as "any observance that tends to give completeness to the expression of worship, honour, reverence, or the like" (Oxford English Dictionary, first edition) tend to shade into compliment, so that it is difficult to know if authors recognized a difference between the words.
Verb
borrowed from French complimenter, derivative of compliment compliment entry 1compliment
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- compliments plural best wishes //please extend our compliments to the chef for a great mealSynonymsRelated Words: a making difficult, involved, or intricate: a complex or intricate feature or element: a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes: a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition
Examples
- //The negotiations stalled when complications arose.
- //Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS.
- //She experienced complications during her pregnancy.
- //The patient died of complications from surgery.
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1aHistory and Etymology
Middle English complicacioun, borrowed from Late Latin complicātiōn-, complicātiō "folding together, conglomeration," from Latin complicāre "to fold together, fold up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complicate entry 2complication
noun
Synonyms
- something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult //the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding receptionSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous Phrases
- an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning //complications set in after the surgerySynonymsRelated WordsNear Antonyms
- the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects //a problem of such irreducible complication as to defy any easy solutionSynonymsRelated WordsAntonyms
compliment
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : formal and respectful recognition : honor
- —used in the phrase compliments of to identify the donor or source of a gift or free item or service //For less than $10, she gets transportation to the real-estate tycoon's casino, a voucher worth about $13 in cash, a meal ticket and a coupon good for $5 on her next visit—all compliments of the casino. — Julie Amparano —often used ironically to identify the source of something that is not wanted //He received a speeding ticket, compliments of the state police. //Add two more games to the list of area basketball postponements this week, compliments of wintry weather. — Marq Mitcham
NOTE: Do not confuse compliment with complement. Compliment implies communication, as in “guests complimenting us on the meal” and “compliments to the chef.” Meanwhile, complement shares its first two syllables with the word complete, and has meanings that relate to completion, as in “a tangy sauce that complements the rich dessert” and “artwork that is a perfect complement to the room's décor.”
complimented; complimenting; compliments
Definition (Entry 2 of 2)
- transitive verb
- : to express esteem, respect, affection, or admiration to : to pay a compliment to //complimented the pianist on his performance
- : to present with a token of esteem //complimented her with an honorary degree
Examples
Noun
- //He told her he admired her paintings and she returned the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.
- //When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest compliment we can get.
Verb
- //complimented her on her election victory
History and Etymology
Noun
borrowed from French, Italian & Spanish; French, borrowed from Italian & Spanish; Italian complimento, borrowed from Spanish cumplimiento, complimiento "offer made solely for reasons of etiquette," earlier "abundance," from cumplir "to go along (with), meet the expectations (of), satisfy (obligations of courtesy)," earlier, "to carry out, execute, fulfill" + -miento -ment — more at complyNOTE: In the seventeenth century the word was often spelled complement, and complement entry 1 was occasionally spelled compliment. Senses of complement current in early Modern English, as "any observance that tends to give completeness to the expression of worship, honour, reverence, or the like" (Oxford English Dictionary, first edition) tend to shade into compliment, so that it is difficult to know if authors recognized a difference between the words.
Verb
borrowed from French complimenter, derivative of compliment compliment entry 1compliment
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- compliments plural best wishes //please extend our compliments to the chef for a great mealSynonymsRelated Words: a making difficult, involved, or intricate: a complex or intricate feature or element: a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes: a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition
Examples
- //The negotiations stalled when complications arose.
- //Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS.
- //She experienced complications during her pregnancy.
- //The patient died of complications from surgery.
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1aHistory and Etymology
Middle English complicacioun, borrowed from Late Latin complicātiōn-, complicātiō "folding together, conglomeration," from Latin complicāre "to fold together, fold up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complicate entry 2complication
noun
Synonyms
- something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult //the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding receptionSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous Phrases
- an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning //complications set in after the surgerySynonymsRelated WordsNear Antonyms
- the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects //a problem of such irreducible complication as to defy any easy solutionSynonymsRelated WordsAntonyms
compliment
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : formal and respectful recognition : honor
- —used in the phrase compliments of to identify the donor or source of a gift or free item or service //For less than $10, she gets transportation to the real-estate tycoon's casino, a voucher worth about $13 in cash, a meal ticket and a coupon good for $5 on her next visit—all compliments of the casino. — Julie Amparano —often used ironically to identify the source of something that is not wanted //He received a speeding ticket, compliments of the state police. //Add two more games to the list of area basketball postponements this week, compliments of wintry weather. — Marq Mitcham
NOTE: Do not confuse compliment with complement. Compliment implies communication, as in “guests complimenting us on the meal” and “compliments to the chef.” Meanwhile, complement shares its first two syllables with the word complete, and has meanings that relate to completion, as in “a tangy sauce that complements the rich dessert” and “artwork that is a perfect complement to the room's décor.”
complimented; complimenting; compliments
Definition (Entry 2 of 2)
- transitive verb
- : to express esteem, respect, affection, or admiration to : to pay a compliment to //complimented the pianist on his performance
- : to present with a token of esteem //complimented her with an honorary degree
Examples
Noun
- //He told her he admired her paintings and she returned the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.
- //When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest compliment we can get.
Verb
- //complimented her on her election victory
History and Etymology
Noun
borrowed from French, Italian & Spanish; French, borrowed from Italian & Spanish; Italian complimento, borrowed from Spanish cumplimiento, complimiento "offer made solely for reasons of etiquette," earlier "abundance," from cumplir "to go along (with), meet the expectations (of), satisfy (obligations of courtesy)," earlier, "to carry out, execute, fulfill" + -miento -ment — more at complyNOTE: In the seventeenth century the word was often spelled complement, and complement entry 1 was occasionally spelled compliment. Senses of complement current in early Modern English, as "any observance that tends to give completeness to the expression of worship, honour, reverence, or the like" (Oxford English Dictionary, first edition) tend to shade into compliment, so that it is difficult to know if authors recognized a difference between the words.
Verb
borrowed from French complimenter, derivative of compliment compliment entry 1compliment
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- compliments plural best wishes //please extend our compliments to the chef for a great mealSynonymsRelated Words: a making difficult, involved, or intricate: a complex or intricate feature or element: a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes: a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition
Examples
- //The negotiations stalled when complications arose.
- //Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS.
- //She experienced complications during her pregnancy.
- //The patient died of complications from surgery.
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1aHistory and Etymology
Middle English complicacioun, borrowed from Late Latin complicātiōn-, complicātiō "folding together, conglomeration," from Latin complicāre "to fold together, fold up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complicate entry 2complication
noun
Synonyms
- something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult //the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding receptionSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous Phrases
- an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning //complications set in after the surgerySynonymsRelated WordsNear Antonyms
- the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects //a problem of such irreducible complication as to defy any easy solutionSynonymsRelated WordsAntonyms
compliment
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : formal and respectful recognition : honor
- —used in the phrase compliments of to identify the donor or source of a gift or free item or service //For less than $10, she gets transportation to the real-estate tycoon's casino, a voucher worth about $13 in cash, a meal ticket and a coupon good for $5 on her next visit—all compliments of the casino. — Julie Amparano —often used ironically to identify the source of something that is not wanted //He received a speeding ticket, compliments of the state police. //Add two more games to the list of area basketball postponements this week, compliments of wintry weather. — Marq Mitcham
NOTE: Do not confuse compliment with complement. Compliment implies communication, as in “guests complimenting us on the meal” and “compliments to the chef.” Meanwhile, complement shares its first two syllables with the word complete, and has meanings that relate to completion, as in “a tangy sauce that complements the rich dessert” and “artwork that is a perfect complement to the room's décor.”
complimented; complimenting; compliments
Definition (Entry 2 of 2)
- transitive verb
- : to express esteem, respect, affection, or admiration to : to pay a compliment to //complimented the pianist on his performance
- : to present with a token of esteem //complimented her with an honorary degree
Examples
Noun
- //He told her he admired her paintings and she returned the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.
- //When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest compliment we can get.
Verb
- //complimented her on her election victory
History and Etymology
Noun
borrowed from French, Italian & Spanish; French, borrowed from Italian & Spanish; Italian complimento, borrowed from Spanish cumplimiento, complimiento "offer made solely for reasons of etiquette," earlier "abundance," from cumplir "to go along (with), meet the expectations (of), satisfy (obligations of courtesy)," earlier, "to carry out, execute, fulfill" + -miento -ment — more at complyNOTE: In the seventeenth century the word was often spelled complement, and complement entry 1 was occasionally spelled compliment. Senses of complement current in early Modern English, as "any observance that tends to give completeness to the expression of worship, honour, reverence, or the like" (Oxford English Dictionary, first edition) tend to shade into compliment, so that it is difficult to know if authors recognized a difference between the words.
Verb
borrowed from French complimenter, derivative of compliment compliment entry 1compliment
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- compliments plural best wishes //please extend our compliments to the chef for a great mealSynonymsRelated Words: a making difficult, involved, or intricate: a complex or intricate feature or element: a difficult factor or issue often appearing unexpectedly and changing existing plans, methods, or attitudes: a secondary disease or condition developing in the course of a primary disease or condition
Examples
- //The negotiations stalled when complications arose.
- //Pneumonia is a common complication of AIDS.
- //She experienced complications during her pregnancy.
- //The patient died of complications from surgery.
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1aHistory and Etymology
Middle English complicacioun, borrowed from Late Latin complicātiōn-, complicātiō "folding together, conglomeration," from Latin complicāre "to fold together, fold up" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at complicate entry 2complication
noun
Synonyms
- something that makes a situation more complicated or difficult //the food allergies of the guests were just another complication for the couple trying to plan their wedding receptionSynonymsRelated WordsSynonymous Phrases
- an abnormal state that disrupts a plant's or animal's normal bodily functioning //complications set in after the surgerySynonymsRelated WordsNear Antonyms
- the state or quality of having many interrelated parts or aspects //a problem of such irreducible complication as to defy any easy solutionSynonymsRelated WordsAntonyms
compliment
Definition (Entry 1 of 2)
- : formal and respectful recognition : honor
- —used in the phrase compliments of to identify the donor or source of a gift or free item or service //For less than $10, she gets transportation to the real-estate tycoon's casino, a voucher worth about $13 in cash, a meal ticket and a coupon good for $5 on her next visit—all compliments of the casino. — Julie Amparano —often used ironically to identify the source of something that is not wanted //He received a speeding ticket, compliments of the state police. //Add two more games to the list of area basketball postponements this week, compliments of wintry weather. — Marq Mitcham
NOTE: Do not confuse compliment with complement. Compliment implies communication, as in “guests complimenting us on the meal” and “compliments to the chef.” Meanwhile, complement shares its first two syllables with the word complete, and has meanings that relate to completion, as in “a tangy sauce that complements the rich dessert” and “artwork that is a perfect complement to the room's décor.”
complimented; complimenting; compliments
Definition (Entry 2 of 2)
- transitive verb
- : to express esteem, respect, affection, or admiration to : to pay a compliment to //complimented the pianist on his performance
- : to present with a token of esteem //complimented her with an honorary degree
Examples
Noun
- //He told her he admired her paintings and she returned the compliment by saying that she was a fan of his sculptures.
- //When customers recommend our company to friends and family members, we consider that to be the highest compliment we can get.
Verb
- //complimented her on her election victory
History and Etymology
Noun
borrowed from French, Italian & Spanish; French, borrowed from Italian & Spanish; Italian complimento, borrowed from Spanish cumplimiento, complimiento "offer made solely for reasons of etiquette," earlier "abundance," from cumplir "to go along (with), meet the expectations (of), satisfy (obligations of courtesy)," earlier, "to carry out, execute, fulfill" + -miento -ment — more at complyNOTE: In the seventeenth century the word was often spelled complement, and complement entry 1 was occasionally spelled compliment. Senses of complement current in early Modern English, as "any observance that tends to give completeness to the expression of worship, honour, reverence, or the like" (Oxford English Dictionary, first edition) tend to shade into compliment, so that it is difficult to know if authors recognized a difference between the words.
Verb
borrowed from French complimenter, derivative of compliment compliment entry 1compliment
noun
Synonyms & Antonyms (Entry 1 of 2)
- compliments plural best wishes //please extend our compliments to the chef for a great mealSynonymsRelated Words