complaisance
Translation
complaisance, obligingness, willingness to please
Examples
She showed a polite complaisance.
She showed a polite complaisance.
His complaisance was seen as a weakness.
His complaisance was seen as a weakness.
Grammar Patterns
((towards sb.)) willingness to please (sb.) He showed great complaisance towards his guests.
Similar Words
Synonyms: obligingness, agreeableness, deference; Antonyms: obstinacy, stubbornness
Etymology
From French 'complaisance', from 'complaire' (to please), from Latin 'com-' (intensive) + 'placere' (to please).
Memory Tips
It sounds like 'com-please-ance'. It's the state of being willing to 'please' others completely. Don't confuse it with 'complacence' (self-satisfaction).