complaisance
1
9.1
- noun
- /kəmˈpleɪsəns/
- Formal
- For believe me, there is no scourge of friendships like flattery and complaisance, the characteristic vices of the light-minded and smooth-tongued, those who say what's sure to please and never what is true.
Examples
-
His complaisance made it easy for him to fit in with the group, as he always agreed with their plans.
-
So it came to pass that, tricked by this false complaisance, I was in the capital the very afternoon that the crisis struck.
Fiction book (1996) -
Gervaise's complaisance takes the form of goodness and kindness, as well as compliance with the wishes of others.
Academic text (1992) -
He might otherwise be tempted to sacrifice his duty to his complaisance for those whose favor was necessary for the duration of his official consequence.
Blog text (11) -
The drive to avoid real self-activation or individuation leads to the kind of complaisance that is Gervaise's salient characteristic.
Academic text (1992) -
Her complaisance towards her friends often led her to put their needs above her own.
-
The manager appreciated his employee's complaisance in handling client requests promptly.
Synonyms
34
7.8
Polite respect that makes you accept someone's wishes or opinions
1
7.5
A habit of doing what other people want even if you disagree
1
7.5
Readiness to help other people when asked
A willingness to work with others and accept suggestions
How Accommodating
1
7.5
- Formal
1
9.1
2
2.3
10
8.5
151
5.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
complaisance = complaisant (semi-transparent) = complais + ance
The transformation from 'complaisant' to 'complaisance' is clear, but the root 'complais' is not a standalone English word.
Etymology
Complaisance comes from old French and Latin words that mean 'to please', with the parts com- 'with' and placere 'to please'. So, complaisance is about being ready to please or help other people.