Complaisantly

/kəmˈpleɪzəntli/ adverb

Definition

In a complaisant manner; with polite agreement or willingness, often with implied insincerity.

Etymology

Adverbial form of complaisant, using the -ly suffix to convert the adjective into an adverb. This formation follows standard English patterns developed in Middle English.

Kelly Says

The 18th-century novel is obsessed with complaisantly—Jane Austen uses it constantly to describe characters bowing to social pressure while internally rebelling, making it a perfect tool for showing hypocrisy.

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