complacent

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin complacens (very pleasing), present participle of complacere (to please at the same time, be very pleasing), from com- (together) + placere (to please); see please and compare complaisant.

Pronunciation

  • (file)
  • Homophone: complaisant

Adjective

complacent (comparative more complacent, superlative most complacent)

  1. Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.
  2. Apathetic with regard to an apparent need or problem.

Usage notes

  • Complacent should not be confused with its homophone, complaisant.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Translations

Further reading

  • complacent in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
  • complacent in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

Latin

Verb

complacent

  1. third-person plural present active indicative of complaceō
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