Words / C2

k-uh-m-PLIS-uh-tee/kəmˈplɪsəti/

Complicity is involvement as a partner in wrongdoing, even if you did not start it: complicity in a leak, silent complicity. Complicit (already in the dictionary) is the adjective; collusion (already in the dictionary) is a secret dishonest deal between parties, and an accomplice (already in the dictionary) is a person who helps. Scrupulous (already in the dictionary) care with a figure is the opposite flavour. Rounding the n is still a methods issue.

Meaning

Involvement as a partner in wrongdoing, even without starting it.

Examples

• “Complicity in a rounded abstract is still a methods issue.”
• “Complicit is the adjective (already in C1). Collusion is a secret dishonest deal (already in C1). An accomplice is a helper in a wrong (already in C1). Scrupulous is carefully honest (already in C2) — the contrast. A named residual risk can still be exact. Silence that never states the cell is a hole. Write the number; leave the collegial hush.”

Good to know

Shared blame in a wrong. Adjective: complicit (already in C1). Close: collusion / accomplice (already in C1). Contrast: scrupulous (already in C2). Silence ≠ an n.

Near in meaning

collusion, involvement, connivance, partnership in wrong

New