Master confusing words with ease
Complacent vs. Complaisant
Complacent
/kəmˈpleɪsənt/Examples:
His complacent attitude hindered his growth.Don't become complacent with your current skills.She was complacent about her unchanging routine.
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Complaisant
/kəmˈpleɪzəns/Examples:
He gave a complaisant nod to everyone in the room.Her complaisant nature made her popular among friends.The manager maintained a complaisant attitude with clients.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- Complacent is often negative, suggesting a lack of concern for potential risks or dangers.
- Complaisant is neutral or positive, implying a willingness to please or serve others.
- Remember that complacent contains placate, indicating self-satisfaction and a lack of desire to change.
- Complaisant includes please, making it easier to recall it relates to being agreeable or obliging.
- Complacency can lead to stagnation, while complaisance can foster kindness.
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