Complacence Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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complacence
[kษmหpleษชsษns ]
Definition
self-satisfaction
Complacence refers to a feeling of self-satisfaction or smugness, often accompanied by an unawareness of potential dangers or deficiencies. It often implies a sense of complacency that can prevent growth or improvement.
Synonyms
contentment, self-satisfaction, smugness.
Examples of usage
- He showed complacence about his performance despite the poor results.
- Her complacence towards the team's failures led to further issues.
- The complacence of the management team hindered innovation.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often fall into complacence when they achieve a goal, leading to decreased motivation.
- A study found that individuals who focus solely on past successes may become complacent towards future challenges.
- Complacence can function as a psychological defense mechanism, protecting individuals from feelings of inadequacy?
Society
- In the workplace, complacence can lead to stagnation, impacting innovation and productivity.
- Complacence in social issues can prevent necessary changes, as people might be satisfied with the status quo.
- Historically, complacence has been linked to societal declines, seen when people ignore warnings or changes.
Literature
- Complacence often appears as a theme in literature, representing characters who become too comfortable and face consequences.
- Authors use the concept of complacence to critique societal norms, showing how ease can lead to corruption or downfall.
- Notable works often depict protagonists experiencing complacence, leading to their eventual awakening or downfall.
Pop Culture
- Movies and songs often portray complacence as a character flaw, emphasizing the need for growth and change.
- The phrase 'cautionary tale' is common in media, warning against the dangers of complacence in various contexts.
- Popular self-help books highlight complacence, encouraging readers to seek constant improvement and awareness of their surroundings.
Origin of 'complacence'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'complacens', which means 'pleasing, satisfied'.
- It began being used in English around the 17th century, growing in popularity through the 19th century.
- Complacence is closely related to 'complacency', which has a more negative connotation about lack of concern.
The term 'complacence' originates from the Latin word 'complacentia', which means 'satisfaction'. The word started to appear in English texts in the early 19th century. It was formed from the Latin verb 'complacere', which means 'to please greatly'. Over time, the meaning evolved to emphasize a level of self-satisfaction that often overlooks necessary improvements or external circumstances. The use of 'complacence' often carries a negative connotation, highlighting a sense of being overly content in the absence of motivation for change or realization of potential dangers.