Literary notes about complimentary (AI summary)
The term “complimentary” in literature is remarkably multifaceted, often conveying praise and admiration as well as subtle irony. Authors employ it to either bestow honor or to hint at underlying tensions in social interactions. For instance, it can denote sincere accolades or affectionate remarks, as seen when titles and expressions are used to elevate characters or objects ([1], [2]), yet it is also used sarcastically to signal a lack of genuine praise or to mask criticism ([3], [4]). Furthermore, the word appears in more formal or functional contexts, such as in the standard closing of a letter, where it underscores social decorum ([5]). In this way, “complimentary” serves as a versatile tool in literature, reflecting the nuanced interplay between genuine commendation and the complexities of interpersonal communication ([6], [7]).
- Himálaya is of course par excellence the Monarch of mountains, but the complimentary title is frequently given to other hills as here to Malaya.
— from The Rámáyan of Válmíki, translated into English verse by Valmiki - Pope and he were engaged in frequent quarrels, but this first reference to him in Pope's works is distinctly complimentary.
— from The Rape of the Lock, and Other Poems by Alexander Pope - Perhaps I DID, in this state, use my Lady rather roughly; fling a glass or two at her, and call her by a few names that were not complimentary.
— from Barry Lyndon by William Makepeace Thackeray - Though she called me “boy” so often, and with a carelessness that was far from complimentary, she was of about my own age.
— from Great Expectations by Charles Dickens - My Dear Mr. Smith: The Complimentary Close The close of a business letter should be "Yours truly," or "Yours very truly."
— from Etiquette by Emily Post - But she holds it on sufferance and by a complimentary construction of language which does not refer to her.
— from The Innocents Abroad by Mark Twain - He sent a complimentary bundle to Anne, who promptly dropped them all in the kitchen stove.
— from Anne of the Island by L. M. Montgomery
