Pleasure

'pleʒər

nounBeginnerVery CommonGeneral

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A feeling of happy satisfaction or enjoyment.

'pleʒər

nounpositiveBeginner
General

A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.

She took great pleasure in gardening.

💡 Simply: Pleasure is like that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you're doing something you really enjoy, like eating your favorite ice cream or watching a funny movie. It's a happy feeling!

👶 For kids: Pleasure is when you feel happy and good!

More Examples

2

The children found pleasure in playing in the park.

3

It was a pleasure to meet you.

How It's Used

General

"He derived great pleasure from playing the piano."

Literary

"The novel offered a guilty pleasure to its readers."

2

To give (someone) a feeling of happy satisfaction or enjoyment.

'pleʒər

verbpositivemedium
General

To give (someone) pleasure.

The music pleased the listeners.

💡 Simply: When you 'pleasure' someone, you're doing something that makes them happy. Like, if you bake cookies for your friend, you're trying to pleasure them with your delicious treats!

👶 For kids: To make someone feel happy!

More Examples

2

His performance pleased the judges.

3

Her kind words pleased the guests.

How It's Used

Formal

"It is a pleasure to serve you."

Informal

"The performance pleased the audience."

Tip:Imagine 'pleasing' someone by giving them a present that gives them 'pleasure'.

Idioms & expressions

a guilty pleasure

Something that one enjoys, but feels embarrassed or ashamed about because it is not considered socially acceptable or of high quality.

"Reality TV is my guilty pleasure."

at your pleasure

As you wish; when you want it or at your convenience.

"You may leave at your pleasure."

It's a pleasure

An expression of politeness and satisfaction; used to acknowledge someone's compliment or express delight in doing something for them.

"A: Thank you for your help. B: It's a pleasure."

From Old French plaisir, meaning 'to please, delight,' derived from Latin placēre, 'to please, be agreeable.'

The word 'pleasure' has been used since the 13th century and has consistently referred to a feeling of happiness and satisfaction, as well as the act of giving enjoyment.

Memory tip

Think of a 'treasure' chest filled with feelings of happiness and delight.

pleasuerpleisure

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written