comˈplaisance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal
Quick answer
What does “comˈplaisance” mean?
A willingness to please others or to accept their behavior or opinions without protest.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A willingness to please others or to accept their behavior or opinions without protest.
The quality of being compliant, obliging, or deferential to the wishes of others, often motivated by a desire to be agreeable or to avoid conflict.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the word with the same core meaning. Slightly more common in British English due to its French borrowing history.
Connotations
In both varieties, it is a formal, somewhat literary term. In modern casual usage, it might be perceived as old-fashioned or overly refined.
Frequency
Low frequency in both, but marginally higher in British English texts.
Grammar
How to Use “comˈplaisance” in a Sentence
complaisance towards + NOUN (person/group)complaisance of + NOUN (person)complaisance in + GERUND/NOUN (action)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “comˈplaisance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A (The verb form is 'comply' or the rare/archaic 'complais', not derived directly.)
American English
- N/A (The verb form is 'comply' or the rare/archaic 'complais', not derived directly.)
adverb
British English
- He nodded complaisantly, though he privately disagreed with every word.
- She accepted the extra workload complaisantly, to her later regret.
American English
- The assistant smiled complaisantly and fetched another coffee.
- He went along complaisantly with the plan, offering no resistance.
adjective
British English
- He was far too complaisant to challenge the board's dubious decision.
- Her complaisant manner made her a favourite with the difficult client.
American English
- The senator's complaisant attitude toward the lobbyists raised eyebrows.
- Don't be so complaisant—you have a right to your opinion.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might describe a manager's style of accommodating client demands or a team member's cooperative attitude.
Academic
Used in literary criticism, sociology, or psychology to describe character traits or social dynamics.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound formal and possibly pretentious.
Technical
Not applicable in common technical fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “comˈplaisance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “comˈplaisance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “comˈplaisance”
- Misspelling as 'complacency' or 'complacence'.
- Mispronouncing with a /z/ sound in the first syllable (like 'compromise').
- Using in informal contexts where 'cooperative' or 'easy-going' would be more natural.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Compliance' is about obeying rules or requests, often from an authority. 'Complaisance' is about having a willing, eager-to-please attitude, often in social or personal interactions.
It is context-dependent. It is positive when describing politeness and cooperativeness. It becomes negative if it implies a lack of backbone, principles, or excessive submissiveness.
In British English: kuhm-PLAY-zuhns. In American English: KAHM-pluh-zahns. The stress and vowel in the first syllable differ.
The most common mistake is confusing it with 'complacency' (a feeling of smug satisfaction). They are etymologically related but have very different meanings.
A willingness to please others or to accept their behavior or opinions without protest.
Comˈplaisance is usually formal in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A (word itself is formal, not typically used in idioms)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'COMPLAIsance' sounds like 'comply' + 'saints'. Saints are known for their agreeable, obliging nature, willing to comply with divine will or help others.
Conceptual Metaphor
AGREEABLENESS IS A GIFT (offered to others) / SOCIAL HARMONY IS A SMOOTH SURFACE (complaisance oils the gears of interaction).
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'complaisance' used correctly?