uncomplimentary
Meaning
expressing criticism or a lack of approval; not complimentary.
Structure
Usage
the reviewer made several uncomplimentary remarks about the actor's performance.
his uncomplimentary comparison of the meal to cardboard was considered rude.
the biography was largely accurate but contained some uncomplimentary portraits of its subject.
Etymology
The word 'uncomplimentary' is a Modern English formation built upon the adjective 'complimentary'. The core of 'complimentary' traces back to the Latin 'complere', meaning "to fill up," which evolved through Italian and French to convey the sense of fulfilling courtesy or praise. The Germanic prefix 'un-', one of the most common negating elements in English, is attached directly to this base. Therefore, the word's logic is transparently literal: "not" + "expressing praise," resulting in its current meaning of expressing criticism or disapproval.
Analysis
- un: a prefix of germanic origin (old english) meaning "not," used to give a negative or opposite force to adjectives and their derivatives. - complimentary: an adjective of latin origin, from the verb 'complere' (to fill up, complete) via italian and french, meaning expressing praise, admiration, or courtesy.