pleasure

[ plezh-er ]

noun

1. the state or feeling of being pleased.

   Synonyms: gladness, delectation, happiness

2. enjoyment or satisfaction derived from what is to one's liking; gratification; delight.
3. worldly or frivolous enjoyment:

   the pursuit of pleasure.

4. recreation or amusement; diversion; enjoyment:

   Are you traveling on business or for pleasure?

5. sensual gratification.

   Synonyms: voluptuousness

6. a cause or source of enjoyment or delight:

   It was a pleasure to see you.

7. pleasurable quality:

   the pleasure of his company.

8. one's will, desire, or choice:

   to make known one's pleasure.

   Synonyms: predilection, inclination, wish, preference

verb (used with object)

, pleas·ured, pleas·ur·ing.

1. to give pleasure to, especially sexually; gratify; please.

verb (used without object)

, pleas·ured, pleas·ur·ing.

1. to take pleasure; delight:

   I pleasure in your company.

2. to seek pleasure, as by taking a holiday.

pleasure

/ ˈplɛʒə /

noun

1. an agreeable or enjoyable sensation or emotion

   the pleasure of hearing good music

2. something that gives or affords enjoyment or delight

   his garden was his only pleasure

3. 1. amusement, recreation, or enjoyment
   2. ( as modifier )

      pleasure ground

      a pleasure boat

4. euphemistic.
   sexual gratification or enjoyment

   he took his pleasure of her

5. a person's preference or choice

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by in to give pleasure to or take pleasure (in)

Derived Forms

• ˈpleasureless, adjective
• ˈpleasureful, adjective

Other Words From

• pleas·ure·ful adjective
• pleas·ure·less adjective
• pleas·ure·less·ly adverb
• an·ti·pleas·ure noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleasure¹

First recorded in 1325–75; late Middle English ( please, -ure ); replacing Middle English plaisir, from Middle French (noun use of infinitive), from Latin placēre “to please”

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleasure¹

C14 plesir, from Old French; related to Old French plaisir to please

Synonym Study

Pleasure, enjoyment, delight, joy refer to the feeling of being pleased and happy. Pleasure is the general term: to take pleasure in beautiful scenery. Enjoyment is a quiet sense of well-being and pleasurable satisfaction: enjoyment at sitting in the shade on a warm day. Delight is a high degree of pleasure, usually leading to active expression of it: delight at receiving a hoped-for letter. Joy is a feeling of delight so deep and so lasting that one radiates happiness and expresses it spontaneously: joy at unexpected good news.

Example Sentences

The delays kept everyone voting late into the night, to no one's pleasure.

From Salon

But what a pleasure to have his dream-pop R&B combo back playing shows after a couple of years away.

From Los Angeles Times

This one is a purge for the sheer pleasure of punishing people Donald Trump doesn't like and a message to all who might think of opposing him in the future.

From Salon

The promise of sadistic pleasure, as he knew it would, elicited hoots and guffaws from the crowd.

From Salon

Carsley may have that one big regret – but there has been much he can reflect on with genuine pleasure and pride.

From BBC

Related Words

• amusement
• bliss
• comfort
• contentment
• enjoyment
• gratification
• hobby
• joy
• luxury
• satisfaction
• thrill