What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Complacent vs Contented - What's the difference?

complacent | contented |

As adjectives the difference between complacent and contented

is that complacent is uncritically satisfied with oneself or one's achievements; smug while contented is satisfied.

As a verb contented is

past tense of content.

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

    * * ----

    contented

    English

    Verb

    (head)
  • (content)

    • Adjective

    (en adjective)
  • satisfied
  • * 1795 , ISSN 0037-7333, volume 4, number 3, June 2010, page 72:
    • "I shall now die contented ," [Boswell] breathed, "since I have lived to see the present day."