Comment vs. Compliment — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Published on February 1, 2024
A comment is a general remark or statement, while a compliment is a specific praise or expression of admiration.
Difference Between Comment and Compliment
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A comment is a broad term that refers to any remark or observation, regardless of its content or tone. It can be positive, negative, or neutral. On the other hand, a compliment is always positive, specifically aimed at praising someone or something. Both terms involve verbal or written communication, but their intentions and impacts differ significantly.
Comments are versatile in nature, used in various contexts to express opinions, provide feedback, or share thoughts. They do not inherently carry a positive or negative connotation. Compliments, in contrast, are exclusively affirmative, intended to acknowledge and appreciate the qualities, achievements, or appearances of others. Both comments and compliments are integral in social interactions but serve different purposes.
While comments can be spontaneous and cover a wide range of topics, compliments are often more deliberate, focusing on specific attributes or actions. Comments can initiate discussions or debates, whereas compliments are typically conclusive, aiming to uplift or flatter the recipient. The choice between making a comment or a compliment depends on the speaker's intent and the context of the conversation.
The reception of comments can vary greatly, depending on their content and the context in which they are delivered. They might provoke thought, elicit responses, or be disregarded. Compliments, however, are generally received positively, fostering goodwill and positive relations. Both forms of expression are powerful tools in communication, capable of influencing perceptions and relationships.
In summary, while both comments and compliments are forms of communication, comments are more about expressing a viewpoint or observation, and compliments are about expressing admiration or approval. Their use reflects the speaker's intentions, whether to merely share a thought (comment) or to positively affirm someone or something (compliment).
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A remark or statement, possibly neutral, positive, or negative.
A positive statement of praise or admiration.
Intent
To express an opinion, observation, or feedback.
To express admiration or approval.
Tone
Can vary from positive to negative or be neutral.
Always positive.
Impact on the Recipient
Can provoke thought, elicit a response, or be neutral.
Generally makes the recipient feel appreciated or valued.
Usage in Conversation
Can initiate or continue a discussion.
Often used to acknowledge or flatter.
Compare with Definitions
Comment
A verbal or written remark expressing an opinion or reaction.
Your presentation was quite detailed, he commented.
Compliment
An expression of esteem or admiration.
I really respect your honesty and integrity, he complimented.
Comment
Feedback or criticism about something or someone.
I think your report could use more data, the manager commented.
Compliment
An expression of approval, often regarding someone's appearance or achievement.
You did an excellent job on this project, he complimented.
Comment
A reaction to someone else's statement or action.
That's an interesting point, he commented during the discussion.
Compliment
An expression of praise, admiration, or congratulation.
Comment
A remark intended to provide more information or clarity.
To add to your point, she commented, the statistics also show a downward trend.
Compliment
A formal act of civility, courtesy, or respect.
Comment
A written note intended as an explanation, illustration, or criticism of a passage in a book or other writing; an annotation.
Compliment
Compliments Good wishes; regards
Extend my compliments to your parents. See Usage Note at complement.
Comment
A series of annotations or explanations.
Compliment
To pay a compliment to.
Comment
A statement of fact or opinion, especially a remark that expresses a personal reaction or attitude.
Compliment
To show fondness, regard, or respect for by giving a gift or performing a favor.
Comment
An implied conclusion or judgment
A novel that is a comment on contemporary lawlessness.
Compliment
An expression of praise, congratulation, or respect.
Pay someone a compliment
Comment
Talk; gossip
A divorce that caused much comment.
Compliment
(uncountable) Complimentary language; courtesy, flattery.
Comment
(Computers) A string of text in a program that does not function in the program itself but is used by the programmer to explain instructions.
Compliment
Misspelling of complement
Comment
(Linguistics) The part of a sentence that provides new information about the topic. Also called rheme.
Compliment
(ambitransitive) To pay a compliment (to someone); to express a favourable opinion (of someone).
Comment
To make a comment; remark.
Compliment
Misspelling of complement
Comment
To serve as a judgmental commentary
"Her demise comments on [the Upper East Side's] entire way of life" (Mark Muro).
Compliment
An expression, by word or act, of approbation, regard, confidence, civility, or admiration; a flattering speech or attention; a ceremonious greeting; as, to send one's compliments to a friend.
Tedious waste of time, to sit and hearSo many hollow compliments and lies.
Many a compliment politely penned.
Comment
To make comments on; annotate.
Compliment
To praise, flatter, or gratify, by expressions of approbation, respect, or congratulation; to make or pay a compliment to.
Monarchs should their inward soul disguise; . . . Should compliment their foes and shun their friends.
Comment
A spoken or written remark.
I have no comment on that.
Pay attention to the teacher's comments in the margin of your marked essay.
Compliment
To pass compliments; to use conventional expressions of respect.
I make the interlocutors, upon occasion, compliment with one another.
Comment
(uncountable) The act of commenting.
Compliment
A remark (or act) expressing praise and admiration
Comment
(linguistics) The part of a sentence that provides new information regarding the current theme.
Compliment
Say something to someone that expresses praise;
He complimented her on her last physics paper
Comment
(programming) A remark embedded in source code in such a way that it will be ignored by the compiler or interpreter, typically to help people to understand the code.
Compliment
Express respect or esteem for
Comment
(transitive) To remark.
Compliment
A statement of praise or admiration.
Your new haircut looks fantastic, she complimented.
Comment
To make remarks or notes.
Compliment
A flattering remark highlighting someone's qualities or skills.
You are an exceptional writer, the teacher complimented.
Comment
To comment or remark on.
Compliment
A positive comment about someone's attributes or actions.
Your dedication to work is admirable, she complimented.
Comment
To insert comments into (source code).
I wish I'd commented this complicated algorithm back when I remembered how it worked.
Comment
To comment out (code); to disable by converting into a comment.
Comment
To make remarks, observations, or criticism; especially, to write notes on the works of an author, with a view to illustrate his meaning, or to explain particular passages; to write annotations; - often followed by on or upon.
A physician to comment on your malady.
Critics . . . proceed to comment on him.
I must translate and comment.
Comment
To comment on.
Comment
A remark, observation, or criticism; gossip; discourse; talk.
Their lavish comment when her name was named.
Comment
A note or observation intended to explain, illustrate, or criticise the meaning of a writing, book, etc.; explanation; annotation; exposition.
All the volumes of philosophy,With all their comments.
Comment
A statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief;
From time to time she contributed a personal comment on his account
Comment
A written explanation or criticism or illustration that is added to a book or other textual material;
He wrote an extended comment on the proposal
Comment
A report (often malicious) about the behavior of other people;
The divorce caused much gossip
Comment
Make or write a comment on;
He commented the paper of his colleague
Comment
Explain or interpret something
Comment
Provide interlinear explanations for words or phrases;
He annotated on what his teacher had written
Comment
An observation or statement made about something, without a direct implication of positivity or negativity.
It looks like it's going to rain, she commented while looking at the clouds.
Common Curiosities
What is a comment?
A comment is a statement or observation that can be neutral, positive, or negative, expressing a viewpoint or reaction.
How do comments affect communication?
Comments can initiate or further a conversation, provide feedback, or express opinions, thus influencing the flow and nature of communication.
How do comments differ in tone?
Comments can vary in tone from positive to negative or be entirely neutral, depending on the intent and context.
What is a compliment?
A compliment is a positive statement expressing praise or admiration, often regarding someone's abilities, appearance, or achievements.
Can compliments be considered feedback?
Yes, compliments can be a form of positive feedback, highlighting what is appreciated or admired.
How do social contexts affect the use of comments and compliments?
Social contexts dictate the appropriateness and reception of comments and compliments, with cultural and situational factors influencing their use and interpretation.
Can a comment be misinterpreted?
Yes, comments can be misinterpreted, especially if the tone or context is unclear, leading to misunderstandings.
Can a comment be a compliment?
Yes, a comment can be a compliment if it expresses positive praise or admiration.
Are compliments always accepted positively?
While generally received positively, compliments can sometimes be perceived as insincere or uncomfortable, depending on the context and relationship between individuals.
What is the primary purpose of a compliment?
The primary purpose of a compliment is to express admiration, approval, or flattery, often to make the recipient feel valued or appreciated.
Is a compliment always positive?
Yes, compliments are inherently positive, focusing on praising or admiring someone or something.
Can comments influence perceptions?
Yes, comments can significantly influence perceptions, shaping how individuals view situations, others, or themselves.
What role do comments play in feedback?
Comments are crucial in feedback, providing insights, opinions, or critiques that can inform or guide.
How can one effectively give a compliment?
To effectively give a compliment, be sincere, specific about what you're praising, and consider the context and your relationship with the recipient.
What is the best way to respond to a compliment?
The best way to respond to a compliment is with gratitude, acknowledging the praise and appreciating the positive feedback.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
