Please
/pliːz/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo give satisfaction or enjoyment to someone; to be agreeable to.
/pliːz/
To cause someone to feel happy or satisfied.
The children were pleased with their presents.
💡 Simply: Imagine you get a really cool toy for your birthday! That toy *pleases* you because it makes you happy and excited. It's like when something is awesome and makes you feel good.
👶 For kids: To make someone happy or feel good.
More Examples
The chef aimed to please his customers.
Her performance pleased the judges.
How It's Used
"The food pleased the guests."
"His stories aimed to please the audience."
Used as a polite formula in making a request, expressing a wish, or offering something.
/pliːz/
To request something politely.
Please close the door.
💡 Simply: When you want something, you can say 'please' to make your request sound nice. It's like saying 'thank you' before you get something.
👶 For kids: A magic word you say to be nice when you ask for something!
More Examples
Could you please help me?
Please be quiet during the movie.
How It's Used
"Can you please pass the salt?"
"Would you please take a seat?"
Used as an expression of politeness when making a request, accepting an offer, or responding to someone.
/pliːz/
Used to express politeness or to make a request more courteous.
Can I have some ice cream? Yes, please.
💡 Simply: It's a polite little word you say when you agree with something or want someone to do something for you nicely.
👶 For kids: A nice word to say when you want something.
More Examples
Would you like a cookie? Yes, please.
Another helping of mashed potatoes, please!
How It's Used
"Would you like some tea? Yes, please."
"May I have another slice? Yes, please."
Idioms & expressions
if you please
Used to add emphasis to a request, often with a slightly ironic tone.
"Would you kindly be quiet, if you please!"
as you please
In whatever way you like; as you wish.
"You can decorate the room as you please."
From Old French *plaisir* 'to please', from Latin *placere* 'to please, be pleasing'.
The use of 'please' as a polite request developed gradually, evolving from its earlier sense of 'to cause pleasure'.
Memory tip
Think of a smile. If something 'pleases' you, it makes you smile.
Word Origin
"to please"