complicit

What Makes This Word Tick

The word "complicit" captures the essence of passive agreement or involvement, especially in something questionable or unethical. Though one might not say or do anything harmful directly, being complicit implies a silent nod to the act, almost like a ghostly dance with accountability.

If Complicit Were a Person…

Imagine Complicit as the quiet one at a family reunion who hears Uncle Joe's outdated joke and simply gives a knowing smile, not quite endorsing it, but certainly not challenging it either. They hover at the edge of the room, complicitly sipping their drink, part of the scene but never stealing the spotlight.

How This Word Has Changed Over Time

Originally from the Latin "complicare," meaning "to fold together," "complicit" didn't join the English language party until the 20th century. It has sharpened its meaning over time, moving from a near-synonym for "complex" to its current sense of intertwined guilt.

Old Sayings and Proverbs That Use Complicit

While "complicit" itself doesn't star in any ancient proverbs, the sentiment of shared responsibility echoes in sayings like "silence implies consent" and "whoever is not against us is for us."

Surprising Facts About Complicit

In 2017, "complicit" enjoyed a moment in the spotlight as Merriam-Webster's Word of the Year, thanks to its frequent appearances in political discourse. It's a testament to language reflecting societal tensions, like an eloquent barometer.

Out and About With This Word

You might hear "complicit" tossed around in TV courtrooms or buzzing in political debates, where even bystanders carry the weight of the scenes unfolding around them. It’s the word wearing a trench coat at the metaphorical crime scene.

Pop Culture Moments Where Complicit Was Used

The word glimmered with notoriety when Ivanka Trump found herself in headlines, quoted about being "complicit" with her father’s administration policies—a scenario that catapulted the term into trendy discussions.

The Word in Literature

"Complicit" fits snugly in the pages of political thrillers and moral dramas where characters grapple with ethical dilemmas. Think John Grisham or Jodi Picoult novels where every nod carries weight.

Moments in History with Complicit

During the Watergate scandal, figures like John Dean prominently grappled with "complicit" actions, shedding light on how passive compliance could shake the very foundations of power.

This Word Around the World

In French, "complice" carries much the same meaning, tapping into the cultural consciousness of shared guilt. English's use aligns closely with global sentiments dissecting personal responsibility.

Where Does It Come From?

With Latin roots, "complicit" is born from "complicare," which poetically means folding together. It's like a linguistic origami, compacting layers of guilt into one neat term.

How People Misuse This Word

People sometimes confuse "complicit" with "complacent," where one implies silent partnership in wrongdoing, and the other a satisfied acceptance without active involvement.

Words It’s Often Confused With

• Complacent: Being complacent is being content, often too much so, while "complicit" implies sharing the blame for an undesirable act.
• Implicit: This suggests something is implied or understood without being spoken, lacking the moral weight "complicit" carries.
• Explicit: Opposite in concept, "explicit" denotes clarity and openness, whereas "complicit" thrives in murky waters.

Additional Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for "complicit" include "involved," "colluding," and "abetting," while antonyms like "innocent" and "dissociated" highlight a clean slate of noninvolvement.

Want to Try It Out in a Sentence?

The board members were found complicit in the financial scandal, their silence costing the company dearly.