Complaisance (en. Complacency)

/kɔ̃.pʁɛ.zɑ̃s/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench

noun

Definition: A state of mind characterized by the desire to please others.

Example Sentence: His complaisance earned him many friends.

Sa complaisance lui a valu de nombreux amis.

Definition: The attitude of someone who seeks to be agreeable.

Example Sentence: He has always acted with complaisance towards his superiors.

Il a toujours agi avec complaisance envers ses supérieurs.

Definition: The quality of a person who cares about the desires of others.

Example Sentence: This excessive complaisance can sometimes be perceived as a weakness.

Cette complaisance excessive peut parfois être perçue comme une faiblesse.

Etymology/Origin: Comes from the Latin 'complacentia', which means 'contentment' or 'pleasure'.

Common Phrase: to show complaisance

Common Phrase Meaning: To show a willingness to please.

faire preuve de complaisance

Common Phrase: excessive complaisance

Common Phrase Meaning: A tendency to want to please too much, sometimes to one’s own detriment.

complaisance excessive

Common Phrase: to act with complaisance

Common Phrase Meaning: To behave in a way that satisfies others.

agir avec complaisance

Related Word: complaisant

Related Word Description: One who seeks to please others.

complaisant

Related Word: complaisantly

Related Word Description: In a complaisant manner.

complaisamment

Related Word: benevolence

Related Word Description: A disposition to do good, to show favor.

bienveillance

Slang Meaning: To please at all costs.

Slang Example: He is so complaisant that he would say yes to everything.

Il est tellement complaisant qu'il dirait oui à tout.

Slang Meaning: To be too nice.

Slang Example: His complaisance means that people take advantage of him.

Sa complaisance fait qu'on profite de lui.