Complacent vs. Complaisant — What's the Difference?
Difference Between Complacent and Complaisant
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Definitions
Complacent
Showing smug or uncritical satisfaction with oneself or one's achievements
You can't afford to be complacent about security
Complaisant
Exhibiting a desire or willingness to please; cheerfully obliging.
Complacent
Satisfied with the current situation and unconcerned with changing it, often to the point of smugness
"a geologic cautionary tale for a complacent world accustomed to reliable infusions of cheap energy" (Paul Roberts).
Complaisant
Compliant.
Complacent
Eager to please; complaisant.
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Complaisant
Willing to do what pleases others; obliging.
Complacent
Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.
Complaisant
(archaic) Polite; showing respect.
Complacent
Apathetic with regard to an apparent need or problem.
Complaisant
Desirous to please; courteous; obliging; compliant; as, a complaisant gentleman.
There are to whom my satire seems too bold:Scarce to wise Peter complaisant enough.
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Complacent
Self-satisfied; contented; kindly; as, a complacent temper; a complacent smile.
They look up with a sort of complacent awe . . . to kings.
Complaisant
Showing a cheerful willingness to do favors for others;
To close one's eyes like a complaisant husband whose wife has taken a lover
The obliging waiter was in no hurry for us to leave
Complacent
Contented to a fault;
He had become complacent after years of success
His self-satisfied dignity
