COMPLACENTLY

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does complacently mean? 

• COMPLACENTLY (adverb)
  The adverb COMPLACENTLY has 1 sense:

1. in a self-satisfied manner

  Familiarity information: COMPLACENTLY used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• COMPLACENTLY (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a self-satisfied manner

Context example:

he complacently lived out his life as a village school teacher

Pertainym:

complacent (contented to a fault with oneself or one's actions)

 Context examples 

He passed his hand complacently over his bald head, and said with ostentatious resignation: My dear, we will not anticipate the decrees of fortune.

(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)

Must not compliment, I know (eyeing Emma most complacently)—that would be rude—but upon my word, Miss Woodhouse, you do look—how do you like Jane's hair?

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

“It is very neatly tied. I had already made a note to that effect,” said Lestrade complacently.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Yes, I know the spawn—complacently pecking at him for his Father Damien letter, analyzing him, weighing him—"

(Martin Eden, by Jack London)

That, quoth the other complacently, was my final argument, my crowning effort, or peroratio, as the orators have it.

(The White Company, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

"Oh, dear, no! It will be delicious, I'm sure," said Meg complacently.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

"Apart from exaggeration, he is certainly a well-grown specimen," said the Professor, complacently.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

And looking at her complacently, she added, “Humph, we certainly are a handsome family!”

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

“Indeed he is, Mrs. Allen,” said Mrs. Thorpe, smiling complacently; “I must say it, though I am his mother, that there is not a more agreeable young man in the world.”

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

He had lifted his eyes to me at the commencement of my outburst, and followed me complacently until I had done and stood before him breathless and dismayed.

(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)