complaisant

[ kuhm-pley-suhnt, -zuhnt, kom-pluh-zant ]

adjective

1. inclined or disposed to please; obliging; agreeable or gracious; compliant:

   the most complaisant child I've ever met.

complaisant

/ kəmˈpleɪzənt /

adjective

1. showing a desire to comply or oblige; polite

Derived Forms

• comˈplaisantly, adverb

Other Words From

• com·plaisant·ly adverb
• noncom·plaisant adjective
• noncom·plaisant·ly adverb
• uncom·plaisant adjective
• uncom·plaisant·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of complaisant¹

1640–50; < French (present participle of complaire ) < Latin complacent- (stem of complacēns, present participle of complacēre; complacent )

Word History and Origins

Origin of complaisant¹

C17: from French complaire, from Latin complacēre to please greatly; compare complacent

Example Sentences

He had received to the peace some complaisant Scots whose lands or dwellings lay on his northward route.

From Project Gutenberg

Here he “found another kind of people” from the complaisant inhabitants of the Isle of Wight.

From Project Gutenberg

I am vastly complaisant, amuse myself in Routes and private parties and play shilling Whist with the most edifying resignation.

From Project Gutenberg

In, in through the portal King Valdemar strode, Sophia received him in complaisant mode.

From Project Gutenberg

He is a Man of Penetration, crafty, complaisant, and capable of great Affairs.

From Project Gutenberg