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Complaisance Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿค
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complaisance

[kษ™mหˆpleษชsษ™ns ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

social behavior

Complaisance refers to the willingness to please others and to accommodate their wishes or desires. It embodies a variety of behaviors that aim to promote harmony and avoid conflict within social interactions. Individuals exhibiting complaisance often go out of their way to be agreeable, even at the expense of their own preferences or needs. This trait can foster positive relationships, but excessive complaisance may lead to exploitation or feelings of resentment among individuals who feel taken for granted.

Synonyms

accommodatingness, agreeability, compliance, obligingness.

Examples of usage

  • Her complaisance made her popular among her peers.
  • In his professional life, he relied on complaisance to maintain client satisfaction.
  • Despite her own opinions, she showed complaisance in discussions to keep the peace.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Excessive complaisance can lead to personal dissatisfaction, as individuals might neglect their own needs.
  • In psychology, itโ€™s linked to traits like agreeableness, where people prioritize harmony over their own opinions.
  • People often exhibit complaisance in social situations to avoid conflict, but it can create feelings of resentment later.

Literature

  • The concept appears in various literary works, highlighting character dynamics where one character is overly eager to please.
  • Writers often use complaisance to develop themes of manipulation, as characters may exploit this trait.
  • In Jane Austenโ€™s novels, characters often navigate social hierarchies, showcasing complaisance in pursuit of favorable marriages.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In collectivist cultures, complaisance might be viewed more positively, as community harmony is valued.
  • By contrast, in more individualistic societies, being overly complaisant can be criticized as lacking assertiveness.
  • Some cultures celebrate the idea of politeness and submissiveness, considering complaisance a virtue.

Pop Culture

  • Popular films often depict characters who are excessively complaisant as comedic relief, highlighting the absurdity of extreme agreeability.
  • Comedians use this trait to create humor, portraying situations where a character's need to please leads to hilarious mishaps.
  • Various reality TV shows present complaisance as a strategy for remaining in social circles, showcasing its impact on relationships.

Origin of 'complaisance'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the French word 'complaisant', which means 'obliging' or 'willing to please'.
  • The root comes from 'com-' meaning 'with' and 'plaire' meaning 'to please'.
  • The term has been used in English since the early 18th century, indicating a long history of its usage.

The term 'complaisance' originates from the Middle French word 'complaisance,' which itself comes from 'complaire,' meaning 'to please.' The word first entered English usage in the mid-17th century, when it was adopted to describe a personโ€™s natural inclination to obligingly accept the wishes of others. Over time, it has evolved to encapsulate a broader concept of social behavior that includes agreeability and a desire to maintain harmonious interactions. The roots of the word highlight its connection to the notions of service and agreeableness, reflecting cultural values around politeness and conformity. Its usage has been maintained in various social contexts, often carrying nuances related to excessive or insincere kindness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,273, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.