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Complacent vs Pretentious - What's the difference?

complacent | pretentious |

As adjectives the difference between complacent and pretentious

is that complacent is uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug while pretentious is marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.

complacent

English

Adjective

(en adjective)
  • Uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug.
  • Apathetic with regard to an apparent need or problem.

    • Usage notes

    * (term) should not be confused with its homophone, complaisant.

    Synonyms

    * smug * self-satisfied

    Derived terms

    * (l) * self-complacent

    Related terms

    * complacence * complacency

    External links

    * * ----

    pretentious

    English

    Alternative forms

    *

    Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • Marked by an unwarranted claim to importance or distinction.
    • Their song titles are pretentious in the context of their basic lyrics.
  • Ostentatious; intended to impress others.
    • Her dress was obviously more pretentious than comfortable.

    Synonyms

    * poseur * See also

    Antonyms

    * unpretentious

    Derived terms

    * pretentiously * pretentiousness

    Related terms

    * pretend * pretender * pretense * pretension

    References

    * * *