complacence

The word 'complacence' originates from the Latin verb complacēre, meaning 'to please greatly'. This verb itself is a compound of the intensive prefix com- and the root placēre ('to please'). The original Latin sense was neutral, simply denoting a state of being very pleased. As the term passed through Late Latin (complacentia) and into Middle English, its meaning narrowed and acquired a critical nuance. The modern abstract meaning of a self-satisfied and often unaware attitude evolved from the core idea of being so thoroughly pleased with oneself that one becomes uncritical and inert.

Structure: com (with) + plac (please) + ence (noun suffix) - com: Latin prefix meaning 'with', 'together', or 'altogether'. It intensifies the meaning of the root. - plac: From Latin placēre, meaning 'to please', 'to be acceptable'. It is the core root conveying the sense of satisfaction. - ence: A noun-forming suffix of Latin origin (-entia), indicating a state, quality, or condition.