Here's how the meaning of "complacent" evolved:
* "Complacere" originally meant "to please" or "to be agreeable." This suggests a state of being content and satisfied.
* Over time, "complacere" shifted to mean "to be pleased with oneself." This highlights the element of self-satisfaction.
* "Complacent" adopted this meaning, implying a state of being satisfied with oneself and one's situation, often to the point of being unconcerned about improvement or potential problems.
In essence, "complacent" combines the ideas of "pleasing" oneself and being "satisfied" with the current state, leading to the meaning of self-satisfaction. This self-satisfaction can sometimes be seen as a negative trait, as it can lead to complacency and a lack of motivation.