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    Complaisances (en. Complacency)

    /kɔ̃.plɛ.zɑ̃s/

    Meaning & Definition

    EnglishFrench
    noun
    The habit of yielding to the desires and wishes of others.
    His complacencies towards his superiors earned him promotions.
    Ses complaisances envers ses supérieurs lui ont valu des promotions.
    The attitude of someone who seeks to please others.
    His complacency towards his friends was obvious.
    Sa complaisance envers ses amis était évidente.
    Readiness to be of service, sometimes to the detriment of oneself.
    He always acted out of complacency, even if it put him in difficulty.
    Il a toujours agi par complaisance, même si cela le mettait en difficulté.

    Etymology

    From Latin 'complacentia', meaning 'pleasing' or 'agreeable'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    to show complacency
    Acting with the intention of pleasing someone.
    faire preuve de complaisance
    excessive complacency
    Too much willingness to please that can be perceived as weakness.
    complaisance excessive

    Related Words

    complacent
    Tending to please, often to the detriment of one's own interests.
    complaisant
    pleasure
    A feeling of satisfaction or happiness.
    plaisir
    courtesy
    Politeness and respect for others.
    courtoisie

    Slang Meanings

    To be subservient
    He is so subservient to his boss that he can't even say 'no'.
    Il est tellement à la botte de son boss qu'il ne peut même plus dire 'non'.
    To curry favor
    He does everything to curry favor with his colleagues in order to stay on good terms.
    Il fait tout pour taper dans le dos de ses collègues afin de rester en bons termes.