Caught online communities half-heartedly giving compliment (6)

I believe the answer is:

credit

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'compliment' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to communication as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

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(Other definitions for credit that I've seen before include "Believe the time allowed for payment" , "Source of pride; account entry" , "Arrangement for deferred payment" , "Belief; tick" , "Approval" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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