expression of praise From Wikiquote, the free quote compendium
A compliment is an expression of praise, congratulation or encouragement
There is no character, howsoever good and fine, but it can be destroyed by ridicule, howsoever poor and witless. Observe the ass, for instance: his character is about perfect, he is the choicest spirit among all the humbler animals, yet see what ridicule has brought him to. Instead of feeling complimented when we are called an ass, we are left in doubt.
Having people be impressed with a house is not a compliment. You don't want them to say, 'What a place!' You want them to sit down and enjoy it.
Robert Denning, reported in Suzanne Stephens, "Florida Renaissance — Italianate Splendors Enrich A Villa in Naples", Architectural Digest, October 2000, v. 57 #10, pp. 284-298.