Complaisance: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• 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.

Psychology

• Excessive complaisance can lead to personal dissatisfaction, as individuals might neglect their own needs.
• In psychology, it’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 Austen’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.

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

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