Complaisant

Adjective

Definition: Willing to please others; agreeable; obliging.

Synonyms: Accommodating, Obliging, Agreeable, Cooperative, Helpful

Antonyms: Uncooperative, Stubborn, Unaccommodating

Examples:
  • The complaisant waiter quickly brought them an extra chair.
  • She was always complaisant and never hesitated to assist her colleagues.
Mnemonics:
  • "Complaisant" sounds like "comply" or "compliant," reminding us of someone who is willing to comply or please others.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "complaisant" comes from the French term "complaisant," which means "obliging" or "eager to please." It entered English usage in the late 17th century.

Historical Usage:

Throughout history, "complaisant" has been used to describe individuals who are accommodating and eager to fulfill others' requests or desires.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Too complaisant for his own good"

Explanation:

This phrase refers to someone who is excessively accommodating, often to their detriment or disadvantage.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "complaisant" with "complacent."

Explanation:

While the two words might sound similar, they have different meanings. "Complaisant" means willing to please or obliging, while "complacent" refers to a self-satisfied or overly confident attitude.

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