pleasantry

[ plez-uhn-tree ]

noun

, plural pleas·ant·ries.

1. good-humored teasing; banter.
2. a humorous or jesting remark.
3. a courteous social remark used to initiate or facilitate a conversation:

   to exchange pleasantries.

4. a humorous action.

pleasantry

/ ˈplɛzəntrɪ /

noun

1. often plural an agreeable or amusing remark, often one made in order to be polite

   they exchanged pleasantries

2. an agreeably humorous manner or style
3. rare.
   enjoyment; pleasantness

   a pleasantry of life

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleasantry¹

1645–55; < French plaisanterie, Old French plesanterie. See pleasant, -ry

Word History and Origins

Origin of pleasantry¹

C17: from French plaisanterie, from plaisant pleasant

Example Sentences

Normally, a band works its way up to the goosebump moments, but why waste time with pleasantries when we’re all neighbors here, right?

From Seattle Times

They shook hands, exchanged pleasantries, and Mother followed him to a doorway with a security camera.

From Literature

Someone who divulges the details of her real estate portfolio in lieu of exchanging pleasantries.

From Los Angeles Times

But hanging over those pleasantries during his visit to China this week are several steps the U.S. is taking to sever economic ties in areas where the Biden administration says they threaten American interests.

From New York Times

We jokingly exchanged pleasantries and accepted that none of us knew where we were going.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• repartee
• witticism