Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

bien-pensant

Adjective

/bjen’paNsaN/

Definition

A French term meaning ‘well-thinking’ or ‘well-meaning’, used to describe a person who holds conventional or mainstream views, often implying a certain smugness or moral superiority.

Examples

Her bien-pensant views often alienated those who dared to challenge the status quo.
It is easy to be bien-pensant when one is surrounded by like-minded individuals.

Meaning

The term is often used to refer to individuals who conform to socially accepted opinions and ideas without questioning them, suggesting a lack of critical thought.