What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
complaisant
Example
The complaisant waiter was happy to accommodate our special requests. [complaisant: adjective]
Example
She always tries to be complaisant in social situations, even if it means sacrificing her own preferences. [complaisant: adjective]
obliging
Example
The obliging neighbor helped us carry our groceries up the stairs. [obliging: adjective]
Example
He was very obliging when we needed a ride to the airport. [obliging: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Obliging is more commonly used than complaisant in everyday language. Obliging is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while complaisant is less common and more associated with formal or literary writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between complaisant and obliging?
While both complaisant and obliging connote politeness and courtesy, complaisant is more formal and may be perceived as more old-fashioned or literary, while obliging is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
