comp
C1Informal
Definition
Meaning
Something given for free, especially as a promotional gesture or complimentary service.
Short for various words like 'complimentary', 'competition', 'compensation', or 'composite', depending on context.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
'Comp' is a context-dependent clipping. In business/hospitality, it means 'complimentary'. In creative/tech fields, it can mean 'composite' or 'compensation'. In gaming/sports, it's short for 'competition' or 'composition' (team makeup).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage overlaps, but 'comp' as a verb meaning 'to compensate' (e.g., 'I'll comp your meal') is more prevalent in AmE. In BrE, the noun form meaning 'something free' (e.g., 'a comp ticket') is common.
Connotations
Neutral to positive (free item, perk). In AmE, verb use can imply discretionary power (manager comping a meal).
Frequency
Moderately frequent in industry-specific jargon (hospitality, gaming, design). Less common in formal or general everyday speech.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] comps [object] (AmE)[subject] gets a comp [for something]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on comp (free of charge)”
- “comp city (slang for many free things)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Complimentary services to retain customers or as goodwill.
Academic
Rare, except in studies of hospitality or marketing.
Everyday
Informal reference to free tickets or meals.
Technical
In design: 'composite' layout; in gaming: 'team composition'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The manager might comp your dessert if there was a delay.
American English
- The casino will comp your room if you play enough.
adverb
British English
- They stayed comp at the resort.
American English
- He ate comp at the hotel restaurant.
adjective
British English
- We received comp tickets to the show.
American English
- Enjoy a comp breakfast with your stay.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The hotel gave us a comp bottle of wine.
- As a regular guest, you might get a comp night.
- The designer presented three different comps for the brochure layout.
- The player analysed the enemy team's comp to adjust their strategy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMPlimentary ticket – the 'comp' is the free part.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GIFT IS A COMMERCIAL RELATIONSHIP BUILDER (comp as a business gift).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'комп' (slang for computer).
- Not directly equivalent to 'бонус' (bonus) which implies earned reward.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'comp' in formal writing.
- Assuming it only means 'competition'.
Practice
Quiz
In the context of graphic design, what does 'comp' most likely mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is informal or industry-specific jargon.
Yes, primarily in American English, meaning to give something for free.
'Comp' implies a business gesture, often for goodwill or promotion. 'Freebie' is a more general term for anything free.
It usually means 'team composition' – the combination of characters or roles in a team.