5 → see also guilt complex , inferiority complex
com|plex|ion /kəmple kʃ ə n/ (complexions )
1 N‑COUNT [oft adj N ] When you refer to someone's complexion , you are referring to the natural colour or condition of the skin on their face. □ She had short brown hair and a pale complexion.
2 N‑COUNT The complexion of something is its general nature or character. [FORMAL ] □ But surely this puts a different complexion on things.
com|plex|ities /kəmple ks I tiz/ N‑PLURAL The complexities of something are the many complicated factors involved in it. □ The issue is surrounded by legal complexities.
com|plex|ity /kəmple ks I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Complexity is the state of having many different parts connected or related to each other in a complicated way. □ …a diplomatic tangle of great complexity. □ [+ of ] …the increasing complexity of modern weapon systems.
com|pli|ance /kəmpla I əns/ N‑UNCOUNT Compliance with something, for example a law, treaty, or agreement means doing what you are required or expected to do. [FORMAL ] □ [+ with ] The company says it is in full compliance with U.S. labor laws.
com|pli|ant /kəmpla I ənt/ ADJ If you say that someone is compliant , you mean they willingly do what they are asked to do. [FORMAL ] □ …a docile and compliant workforce.
com|pli|cate /kɒ mpl I ke I t/ (complicates , complicating , complicated ) VERB To complicate something means to make it more difficult to understand or deal with. □ [V n] The day's events, he said, would only complicate the task of the peacekeeping forces. □ [V n] To complicate matters further, everybody's vitamin requirements vary.
com|pli|cat|ed ◆◇◇ /kɒ mpl I ke I t I d/ ADJ If you say that something is complicated , you mean it has so many parts or aspects that it is difficult to understand or deal with. □ The situation in Lebanon is very complicated. □ …a very complicated voting system.
com|pli|ca|tion /kɒ mpl I ke I ʃ ə n/ (complications )
1 N‑COUNT A complication is a problem or difficulty that makes a situation harder to deal with. □ [+ to ] The age difference was a complication to the relationship. □ An added complication is the growing concern for the environment.
2 N‑COUNT A complication is a medical problem that occurs as a result of another illness or disease. □ [+ of ] Blindness is a common complication of diabetes. □ [+ from ] He died of complications from a heart attack.
com|plic|it /kəmpl I s I t/ ADJ If someone is complicit in a crime or unfair activity, they are involved in it. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ in ] He did not witness her execution, yet he and the others are complicit in her death.
com|plic|ity /kəmpl I s I ti/ N‑UNCOUNT Complicity is involvement with other people in an illegal activity or plan. [FORMAL ] □ [+ in ] Recently a number of policemen were sentenced to death for their complicity in the murder. □ [+ with ] He is accused of complicity with the leader of the coup.
com|pli|ment (compliments , complimenting , complimented ) The verb is pronounced /kɒ mpl I ment/. The noun is pronounced /kɒ mpl I mənt/. 1 N‑COUNT A compliment is a polite remark that you say to someone to show that you like their appearance, appreciate their qualities, or approve of what they have done. □ He has never paid me a compliment. □ I try to graciously accept both compliments and criticism.
2 VERB If you compliment someone, you pay them a compliment. □ [V n + on ] They complimented me on the way I looked each time they saw me. [Also V n]
3 N‑PLURAL [usu poss N ] You can refer to your compliments when you want to express thanks, good wishes, or respect to someone in a formal way. [POLITENESS ] □ [+ to ] My compliments to the chef.
4 PHRASE If you say that someone returns the compliment , you mean that they do the same thing to someone else as that person has done to them. □ They entertained us splendidly and it's time we returned the compliment.
5 PHRASE If you say that you are giving someone something with your compliments , you are saying in a polite and fairly formal way that you are giving it to them, especially as a gift or a favour. [POLITENESS ] □ Please give this to your boss with my compliments.
com|pli|men|tary /kɒ mpl I me ntri/
1 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you are complimentary about something, you express admiration for it. □ The staff have been very complimentary, and so have the customers. □ We often get complimentary remarks regarding the cleanliness of our patio.
2 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A complimentary seat, ticket, or book is given to you free. □ He had complimentary tickets to take his wife to see the movie.
com|ply /kəmpla I / (complies , complying , complied ) VERB If someone or something complies with an order or set of rules, they are in accordance with what is required or expected. □ [V + with ] The commander said that the army would comply with the ceasefire. □ [V ] There are calls for his resignation, but there is no sign yet that he will comply. [Also V to n]
com|po|nent ◆◇◇ /kəmpoʊ nənt/ (components )
1 N‑COUNT The components of something are the parts that it is made of. □ [+ of ] Enriched uranium is a key component of a nuclear weapon. □ The management plan has four main components. □ They were automotive component suppliers to motor manufacturers.