Complicity vs. Complicitness: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sara Rehman || By Sumera Saeed || Updated on November 10, 2023
Complicity refers to involvement in wrongdoing; the state of being an accomplice. Complicitness refers to the quality or state of being complicit.
Key Differences
Complicity refers to the act of being involved with others in an illegal activity or wrongdoing. It implies a direct participation or partnership in the action. Complicitness, on the other hand, defines the quality or state of being complicit. It's more about the characteristic or condition of being an accomplice rather than the act itself.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
When considering complicity, it often suggests active or passive involvement in a negative act. This term is frequently used in legal contexts. Complicitness, however, is a less common term and focuses more on the attribute of being complicit. It's about the tendency or propensity to be involved in complicity.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
In usage, complicity is widely recognized and used in both legal and general language. It is specific and direct. Complicitness is less commonly used and is more abstract, referring to the nature or quality of being complicit, rather than a specific act.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
Complicity is a noun that can be directly attributed to a person or group, indicating their involvement in a misdeed. For example, one might be charged with complicity in a crime. Complicitness, while also a noun, is used to describe the characteristic of being complicit, often in a more theoretical or abstract manner.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
The difference in connotation between complicity and complicitness is subtle but significant. While complicity is more about the act or involvement, complicitness is about the state or characteristic of being willing to be complicit, potentially even without direct action.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Connotation
Specific act or participation
Tendency or inclination towards complicity
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Complicity and Complicitness Definitions
Complicity
The state of being an accomplice.
She was charged with complicity in the crime.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Complicitness
The state of being involved with others in an unlawful or unethical act.
His complicitness was a topic of much debate.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Complicity
Involvement as a partner in a questionable act or a crime.
His silence was taken as complicity.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Complicitness
The quality of being an accomplice in wrongdoing.
The investigation revealed his complicitness.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
Complicity
The act of helping to commit a crime or do wrong.
Their complicity in the escape plan was critical.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
ADVERTISEMENT
Complicitness
Inclination towards partnership in wrongdoing.
The jury considered his complicitness in their verdict.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Complicity
Association or participation in or as if in a wrongful act.
There was evidence of his complicity in the fraud.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Complicitness
The characteristic of being willingly involved in unethical actions.
Her complicitness in the scheme was unexpected.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Complicity
Participation in a wrongful act.
His complicity in the scandal was evident.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Complicitness
A tendency to be complicit in illegal activities.
His history suggested a degree of complicitness.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Complicity
The state of being complicit; involvement as a partner or accomplice, especially in a crime or other wrongdoing.
Sumera Saeed
Oct 23, 2022
FAQs
How is complicitness different from complicity?
Complicitness refers to the quality or state of being complicit, while complicity is the act itself.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
Does complicity imply direct involvement?
Yes, it often suggests direct participation in a wrongful act.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can complicitness exist without action?
Yes, it can imply a tendency or inclination towards being complicit, even without direct action.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Can someone be charged with complicitness?
Typically, charges are framed in terms of complicity, not complicitness.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Is complicitness a common term?
No, it's less commonly used and more abstract than complicity.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
Are there different levels of complicity?
Yes, one can be complicit directly or indirectly in varying degrees.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Is it possible to prove complicitness?
Proving complicitness can be challenging as it's more about a characteristic than a specific act.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023
How is complicity used in everyday language?
It's used to describe someone's involvement in a negative action or decision.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Can organizations be complicit?
Yes, organizations can be complicit if they aid or abet in wrongful acts.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Does complicity require intention?
Yes, complicity usually involves intentional participation in wrongdoing.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Can complicity be used in legal contexts?
Yes, complicity is often used in legal contexts to describe involvement in a crime.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
What is an example of complicitness?
Showing a consistent tendency to ignore unethical practices.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Can complicity be passive?
Yes, passive complicity involves not acting against a wrongful act.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
How do courts determine complicity?
Courts consider evidence of direct or indirect involvement in a crime.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023
Can someone be morally complicit?
Yes, moral complicity refers to involvement in actions considered unethical.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Is complicity always illegal?
While often associated with illegal acts, complicity can refer to involvement in any wrongful act.
Sumera Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
Can ignorance be considered complicity?
In some cases, willful ignorance can be seen as a form of complicity.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
Is complicitness a legal term?
It's less commonly used in legal contexts compared to complicity.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sumera SaeedSumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.
Edited by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
