The spelling of the word "smugnesses" might seem confusing at first glance, but it makes sense once we break it down phonetically. The first syllable, "smug," is pronounced /smʌɡ/, while the second syllable, "-ness," is pronounced /nɛs/. Finally, the plural suffix "-es" is pronounced as /əz/ when added to a noun ending in "s." Therefore, "smugnesses" is pronounced /ˈsmʌɡ.nɛs.əz/ and refers to the quality of being overly self-satisfied or self-righteous.
The word "smugnesses" is derived from the base word "smug" combined with the suffix "-nesses".
The adjective "smug" originated in the late 16th century and was derived from the Low German word "smuck", meaning neat, trim, or spruce. It initially held positive connotations, referring to someone who appears well-dressed, tidy, or self-satisfied in a confident way. Over time, "smug" acquired a negative sense, referring to individuals who are overly self-satisfied, complacent, or conceited.
The suffix "-nesses" is added to the adjective "smug" to form a plural noun, indicating multiple instances or qualities of "smugness". The suffix "-ness" generally denotes a state or quality, as in "happiness" or "sadness".