complaisant
UK: kəmˈpleɪz(ə)nt | US: kəmˈpleɪsənt
adj. willing to please others; obliging or agreeable
adj. marked by a desire to accommodate or yield to others
complaisant = com<together/with> + plais<please> + ant<adjective suffix>
- com (from Latin cum, meaning "with" or "together")
- plais (from Old French plaisir, meaning "to please," derived from Latin placere)
- ant (a suffix forming adjectives, indicating "having the quality of")
Etymology Origin:
The word complaisant traces back to the Latin complacere ("to please greatly"), combining com- (intensifying prefix) and placere ("to please"). Through Old French plaisir, it evolved into Middle English with the sense of being agreeable or eager to please. The suffix -ant was added to form the adjective, emphasizing a disposition toward pleasing others. The modern meaning retains this focus on willingness to accommodate.
She was complaisant and always agreed to help her colleagues.
His complaisant attitude made him popular among his friends.
The manager appreciated the team's complaisant response to the new policy.
A complaisant host ensures guests feel comfortable.
Though tired, she remained complaisant and listened patiently.