complaisance

[ kuhm-pley-suhns, -zuhns, kom-pluh-zans ]

noun

1. the quality of being complaisant.
2. a complaisant act.

Other Words From

• noncom·plaisance noun
• uncom·plaisance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of complaisance¹

From French, dating back to 1645–55; complaisant, -ance

Example Sentences

I proceed how to examine some of those practices to which the priests tell us the Deity attaches his complaisance and his favors.

From Project Gutenberg

Basilio would smile bitterly and reflect that in this world complaisance with vice is rewarded better than fulfilment of duty.

From Project Gutenberg

He saw that he was getting beyond control, and, under an exterior of compliance and complaisance, he was genuinely alarmed.

From Project Gutenberg

I try'd to pacify him, and spar'd no Pains nor Complaisance for it, but all to no purpose.

From Project Gutenberg

My first theft was occasioned by complaisance, but it was productive of others which had not so plausible an excuse.

From Project Gutenberg