complacencia (spanish) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of speech

• Noun (feminine)

Phonetic transcription

• /komplaˈθenθja/ (in Spain)
• /komplaˈsɛnθja/ (in Latin America)

Translation options into English

• Complacency
• Satisfaction
• Contentment

Meaning and Usage

"Complacencia" refers to a state of being pleased or satisfied with oneself or with a situation. It can denote a sense of self-satisfaction that might lead to a lack of awareness regarding potential risks, problems, or the need for improvement. The term is often used in both oral and written contexts, with a moderate frequency of use. It is more common in formal discussions, like academic or professional dialogues, than in everyday conversation.

Example sentences

1. Su complacencia con los resultados del proyecto le impidió ver las áreas que necesitaban mejoras.

2. His complacency with the project's results prevented him from seeing the areas that needed improvement.

3. La complacencia del equipo por haber alcanzado la meta les hizo olvidar el esfuerzo continuado.

4. The team's complacency for having reached the goal made them forget the ongoing effort.

5. La política de complacencia hacia los problemas sociales no ha llevado a soluciones efectivas.

6. The policy of complacency towards social issues has not led to effective solutions.

Idiomatic Expressions

The word "complacencia" is not as frequently used in idiomatic expressions as some other terms, but it still appears in contexts where self-satisfaction is critiqued. Below are examples of phrases and contexts that incorporate the word:

1. "No te dejes llevar por la complacencia."

2. "Don’t let yourself be carried away by complacency."

3. "La complacencia puede ser peligrosa en un entorno competitivo."

4. "Complacency can be dangerous in a competitive environment."

5. "El éxito a veces genera complacencia entre los líderes."

6. "Success sometimes generates complacency among leaders."

7. "Su complacencia ante los elogios le costó la humildad."

8. "His complacency in the face of praise cost him his humility."

9. "A menudo, la complacencia en el trabajo lleva a la mediocridad."

10. "Often, complacency at work leads to mediocrity."

Etymology

The word "complacencia" comes from the Latin "complacentia," which is derived from "complacere," meaning "to please" or "to be agreeable." The prefix "com-" indicates a cumulative idea of togetherness, while "placere" translates to "to please." Over time, the term has evolved in Spanish to encompass a broader emotional and psychological context.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: satisfacción, contento, satisfacción personal
• Antonyms: insatisfacción, inquietud, descontento

This comprehensive overview captures the essence of "complacencia," presenting its linguistic characteristics, contextual usage, and even some idiomatic expressions associated with it.