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compiacimento

self-satisfaction

noun kom-pyah-chee-MEN-toh Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Origin: From compiacersi (to take pleasure in, to be pleased with oneself); Latin complacere.

Also means

complacency, pleasure

Usage Note

Compiacimento can mean genuine pleasure or satisfaction (con grande compiacimento — 'with great satisfaction'), but it often carries a mildly negative connotation of smug self-satisfaction or complacency — un sorriso di compiacimento ('a self-satisfied smile'). Context determines which sense is intended.

Examples

"Sorrise con evidente compiacimento."

Natural Translation

He smiled with evident self-satisfaction.

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