complaisance
/kɔ̃.plɛ.zɑ̃s/
The English phrase "complacency" is translated into French as complaisance.
In French, the term complaisance is often used to describe a state of being overly accommodating or agreeable to the wishes of others.
Meaning: feeling of self-satisfaction (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /kɔ̃.plɛ.zɑ̃s/ and has 3 syllables.
What mistakes should you avoid?
English speakers often mistakenly use complaisance to mean "complacency". In French, complaisance usually refers to being overly agreeable or accommodating to others' wishes.
Did you know?
- In French legal or administrative contexts, complaisance can refer to a 'favor' granted to someone to bypass rules, such as a visa de complaisance.
- The word complaisant can be a compliment in French, describing someone who is helpful and obliging, whereas 'complacent' is almost always an insult in English.
- The Latin root 'complacentia' originally meant 'desire to please', which is why the French complaisance retains a sense of being 'agreeable' or 'obliging' rather than just being smug.
Examples in context
- Sa complaisance envers sa situation l'empêche d'évoluerHis complacency towards his situation prevents him from progressing
- Nous ne devons pas céder à la complaisance.We must not yield to complacency.
- Une certaine complaisance peut nuire à l'équipe.A certain complacency can harm the team.
Example conversation
Gabriel and Chloé are discussing their project progress.
- GabrielNous avons presque fini, tout semble parfait.We are almost finished, everything seems perfect.
- ChloéAttention, Gabriel, ne tombe pas dans la complaisance.Careful, Gabriel, don't fall into complacency.
- GabrielTu penses qu'il reste des erreurs ?Do you think there are still errors?
- ChloéOui, nous devons encore tout vérifier.Yes, we still need to check everything.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry complaisance, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries complaisance, CC BY-SA 4.0.
