French Conversation · Level 161
29 words
French word
complaisance
Pronunciation
IPA/kɔ̃plɛzɑ̃s/
Meaning
- feminine nountolerance
Example
Sa complaisance envers les erreurs des élèves est appréciée.
His tolerance of the students' mistakes is appreciated.
More examples
Le directeur a fait preuve de complaisance envers l'employé en retard.
The director showed indulgence toward the employee who was late.
Core concept
A gentle open hand that lets another person's mistake pass and grants a request.
Common phrases
manquer de complaisance
lack indulgence
faire preuve de complaisance
show indulgence
Similar words
tolérance: A willingness to accept differences and other people's behavior.
patience: The calm ability to endure discomfort or delays.
bienveillance: Kind concern for others and a desire to treat them well.
indulgence: A forgiving attitude that avoids severe criticism of faults.
Definition in French
Disposition à tolérer les défauts et à faire plaisir aux autres, souvent avec bienveillance.
Word origin
French complaisance comes from Latin complacentia, built on complacere, "to please", and developed in French alongside complaire.
Usage tips
- French complaisance can be positive or suggest excessive accommodation, unlike English complacency, which usually means self-satisfaction.
Other meanings
- indulgencenoun
- leniencynoun
Opposites
- sévéritéseveritynoun
- intoléranceintolerancenoun
Related words
- complaisantindulgentadjective
- complaisammentindulgentlyadverb