Selbstgefälligkeit
self-satisfaction, smugness, complacency
noun ZELPST-geh-fael-ikh-kite Rare
Usage Note
Selbstgefälligkeit describes a smug contentment with oneself, implying a lack of self-reflection. It is more critical in tone than Selbstzufriedenheit (healthy self-contentment) and closer to English 'complacency'.
Examples
"Sein Lächeln hatte etwas von Selbstgefälligkeit, das sie irritierte."
Natural Translation
His smile had something of smugness about it that irritated her.
Literal Translation
His smile had something of self-satisfaction, that her irritated.
Related Words
- Abgebrühtheit hardened cynicism, unshockable matter-of-factness
- Achtsamkeit mindfulness, attentiveness, careful awareness
- Ansicht opinion
- Arglosigkeit naivety, guilelessness, unsuspecting nature
- Argwohn suspicion
- Aufbruchsstimmung mood of new beginnings, pioneering spirit
- Aufsässigkeit rebelliousness, insubordination
- Bedächtigkeit deliberateness, careful thoughtfulness
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