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Complacent and complaisant are two terms that often cause confusion due to their similar spelling and pronunciation, but they have distinct meanings. Complacent refers to a self-satisfied attitude, where one may become uncritical about potential dangers or flaws. It conveys a sense of smugness or unearned contentment.
'Complacent' and 'complaisant' are homophones with a shared Latin root and original meaning. Both can be used for a polite or obliging person, but 'complacent' usually means 'self-satisfied' or 'unconcerned.'
Feb 21, 2015 · Complacent means. pleased, especially with oneself or one's merits, advantages, situation, etc., often without awareness of some potential danger or defect; self-satisfied: The voters are too complacent to change the government. pleasant; complaisant. Complaisant means
Think of a complacent person as someone who is willfully ignorant, unconcerned, or overcontented, while a complaisant person is a pushover, willing to do whatever anyone asks. Examples. Given the nonmanufacturing index is seen as a good leading indicator of growth, investors shouldn’t grow complacent. [Wall Street Journal]
Oct 11, 2021 · Complacent refers to being so self-satisfied that you’re blind to risk or danger. Complaisant refers to being willing to please others. “Complacent” is by far the more common of these terms, so it’s likely that you’ll need this spelling more often than “complaisant.”
Aug 29, 2008 · It’s easy to mix up these two words, but there’s a world of difference in their meanings. Complacent means self-satisfied or smug and derives in part from the Latin verb placere (to please). Example: He felt complacent about his excellent examination results.
Feb 15, 2018 · Now that we’ve discussed the differences between complacent and complaisant, you should be able to use these words more accurately in your writing. Remember that complacent is being self-satisfied without awareness of deficiencies while complaisant is having the tendency to please others.
May 31, 2014 · Both complacent and complaisant descend from Latin complacere, “to please, to be pleasant,” but they have acquired different meanings in English. complacent (adjective): feeling or showing pleasure or satisfaction, especially in one’s own conditions; self-satisfied.
Complaisant or Complacent? The homophones complaisant and complacent are often confused - and no wonder. Not only do they look and sound alike, but they also both derive ultimately from Latin complacēre, meaning "to please greatly."
Complaisant or Complacent? The homophones complaisant and complacent are often confused - and no wonder. Not only do they look and sound alike, but they also both derive ultimately from Latin complacēre, meaning "to please greatly."
