pleasantry

[plez-uhn-tree]

noun

plural

pleasantries 

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

They share coffee and pleasantries and then open proceedings; the finale of a months-long selection process.

Read more on BBC

The tone between Carney and Sheinbaum on Thursday appeared much warmer, with the two exchanging gifts and later pleasantries at a joint news conference.

Read more on BBC

I was never a fan of pleasantries because they seemed like a waste of time.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

After some pleasantries, I explained that I couldn’t help with her moving boxes because I was about to conduct a highly sensitive business transaction.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

In series two, we see how Lumon's disorientating, unforgiving corporate culture and its deceptive pleasantries affects those with power too.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• repartee 
• witticism