Self-complaisant describes a person who is excessively pleased with themselves or their achievements; marked by smug satisfaction. This often manifests as an unwarranted sense of superiority and a lack of critical self-reflection. Individuals exhibiting this trait may appear overly confident, even arrogant, and often seek validation from others, though their internal validation appears secure. Their behavior can range from subtle displays of self-satisfaction to overt boasting. They may dismiss the opinions of others, viewing them as inferior or less insightful, ultimately leading to strained relationships and isolation, as this attitude is often perceived negatively. The origin traces back to the 18th century when it was connected with self-satisfaction.
Self-complaisant meaning with examples
- His self-complaisant remarks about his promotion, constantly reminding colleagues of his superior performance, quickly wore down their patience. The office environment became tense with his overconfidence, as nobody wanted to engage in any work-related topic with him. Eventually, his self-satisfaction only left him alone to complete his duties as no one wanted to participate with him.
- The author's self-complaisant tone in the book's introduction, filled with praise for their supposed genius, turned off many potential readers. They failed to connect with the material because the narrative was all about themselves, rather than delivering on the promises of knowledge. This excessive self-satisfaction hampered its potential success, leaving the book ignored and unread on library shelves.
- After winning the competition, the athlete's self-complaisant demeanor, where he bragged about his success, alienated his teammates. He was unable to understand the concept of a team, the sacrifices made by the team, and he would be unable to win without the entire team's effort. Instead, his self-satisfaction blinded him to the importance of teamwork and gratitude.
- Despite failing the exam, the student's self-complaisant attitude, suggesting the test was simply unfair, frustrated the teacher. He could not understand that hard work and application may lead to positive results, instead, he dismissed those who worked hard. His lack of self-awareness and self-satisfaction prevented any learning opportunity that could have improved his grades.