complaisant etymology

Etymology:

The word "complaisant" originates from the Middle French word "complaisant," meaning "pleasing" or "agreeable." This French word, in turn, derives from the Latin verb "complacere," meaning "to please" or "to gratify."

Meaning:

The word "complaisant" refers to a person who shows a willingness to please others, often at the expense of their own opinions or desires. It implies a submissive and accommodating nature.

Origin:

The origin of the word can be traced back to the Latin verb "placere," meaning "to please." From this verb, the Latin noun "placens" emerged, which denoted "one who pleases" or "a pleasing person." The suffix "-ant" was added to this noun to form the adjective "complacent," indicating "one who tends to please."

Usage:

The word "complaisant" is typically used in a negative or disapproving sense, suggesting a lack of assertiveness or independence. For example:

• "He was too complacent to stand up for his own beliefs."
• "Her complacency made her an easy target for manipulation."

However, in some contexts, it can be used to refer to a positive attribute of politeness or deference:

• "The waiter was very complacent and attentive to our needs."
• "The diplomats showed a willingness to be complacent in order to reach a compromise."

complaisant relate terms

• complacent

  Etymology Latin complacere to please thoroughly gratify Com placere to please

• complacence

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

• serviceable

  Etymology The word serviceable is derived from the Anglo French word serviceable wh

• condescend

  Etymology The word condescend comes from the Latin word condescendere which means t

• indulgence

  Etymology Late Middle English in the sense a privilege granted by the Church to a p

• luxury

  Etymology The word luxury derives from the Latin term luxus which means excess ex

• oblique

  Etymology Origin Latin obliquus slanting transverse Root Proto Indo European lab

• alliteration

  Etymology The word alliteration is derived from the Latin word ad meaning to and

• obey

  Etymology Old French obéir Latin obedire Ob meaning towards audire meaning t

• scourge

  Etymology and Origin The word scourge comes from the Old French word escorgier mean

• octopus

  Etymology From Ancient Greek ὀκτώπους oktōpous from ὀκτώ oktō eig