complacence etymology

Etymology

The word "complacency" is derived from the Latin phrase "complacere," meaning "to please thoroughly." It is a derivative of the verb "placere," meaning "to please."

Meaning

Complacency refers to a state of excessive self-satisfaction or contentment, often leading to a lack of motivation or effort. It implies a superficial sense of well-being that may be detached from reality or challenges.

Origin

The concept of complacency has been present in Western thought for centuries. It is often associated with the Biblical story of Balaam, who received a divine warning against the dangers of complacency and pride.

In the 16th century, the Roman philosopher Seneca the Younger wrote about the detrimental effects of complacency, stating that "dwelling too long on the past and present, and [...] wasting time on idle amusement, may end in our destruction."

By the 17th century, the term "complacency" had become commonly used in English literature and philosophy to describe a state of excessive self-satisfaction or contentment that could hinder progress or lead to downfall.

complacence relate terms

• complaisance

  Etymology French complaisance Latin complacentia from complacere to be pleasing or

• complacence

  Etymology The word complacency is derived from the Latin phrase complacere meaning

• please

  Etymology Etymology is the study of the origin and development of words and their meaning

• like

  Etymology is the study of the origin of words and how their meaning has changed over time

• satisfaction

  Etymology The word satisfaction originates from the Latin word satisfactio which mea

• diet

  Etymology The word diet comes from the Greek word diaita which means way of life o

• hope

  Etymology The word hope originates from the Old English word hopian which means to

• attend

  Etymology Old French atendre Late Latin attendere from ad to towards tendere

• emblem

  Etymology The word emblem is derived from the Greek word emblema meaning something

• martyr

  Etymology The word martyr originates from the Greek word μάρτυς martys whic

• boisterous

  Etymology Middle English boistous or boistows from Anglo French boistous lively me

• clue

  Etymology Old English clūwe meaning a ball of yarn Middle English clew meaning