please

American  

[pleez] / pliz /

adverb

1. (used as a polite addition to requests, commands, etc.) if you would be so obliging; kindly.

   Please come here.

   Will you please turn the radio off?

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verb (used with object)

pleased, pleasing

1. to act to the pleasure or satisfaction of.

   to please the public.

2. to be the pleasure or will of.

   May it please your Majesty.

verb (used without object)

pleased, pleasing

1. to like, wish, or feel inclined.

   Go where you please.

   Synonyms:

   wish, want, like, choose

2. to give pleasure or satisfaction; be agreeable.

   manners that please.

idioms

1. if you please,

   1. if it be your pleasure; if you like or prefer.

   2. (used as an exclamation expressing astonishment, indignation, etc.).

      The missing letter was in his pocket, if you please!

please British  

/ ˈpliːzɪdlɪ, pliːz /

verb

1. to give satisfaction, pleasure, or contentment to (a person); make or cause (a person) to be glad

2. to be the will of or have the will (to)

   if it pleases you

   the court pleases

3. if you will or wish, sometimes used in ironic exclamation

4. happy because of

5. to do as one likes

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adverb

1. (sentence modifier) used in making polite requests and in pleading, asking for a favour, etc

   please don't tell the police where I am

2. a polite formula for accepting an offer, invitation, etc

please More Idioms  

1. see as you please.

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Other Word Forms

• half-pleased adjective
• outplease verb (used with object)
• overplease verb
• pleasable adjective
• pleased adjective
• pleasedly adverb
• pleasedness noun
• pleaser noun
• self-pleased adjective
• unpleasable adjective
• unpleased adjective
• well-pleased adjective

Etymology

Origin of please

First recorded in 1275–1325; (verb) Middle English plesen, plaisen, from Middle French plaisir, ultimately from Latin placēre “to please, seem good” ( see placid); the use of please with requests, etc., is presumably a reduction of the clause (it) please you “may it please you,” later reinforced by imperative use of intransitive please to be pleased, wish

Explanation

To please someone is to give them pleasure or to make them happy. This is also a word for polite requests like, "Could you please pass the milk?" Have you ever been asked "What's the magic word"? It's please, a small word that makes any request more polite. Saying please is sure to please just about everyone, although different things please different people. Turning in your homework on time will please your teachers, while a good belly rub and some extra treats will please your dog.

Example Sentences

The old heads would’ve passed the music on, the new generations could conduct their own research, and everyone would be free to do as they please.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2026

However, another told the BBC's US partner CBS News that when he tried to file a claim he received a message saying: "The system is currently experiencing high volume, please try again later."

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

While some were able to file, others got error warnings such as, “The system is currently experiencing high volume, please try again.”

From Barron's • Apr. 20, 2026

Almost in a panic, he asked Barbaralee, ‘Please, Mrs. Monday, please take the flag.’

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2026

Then when she asked me how my day was, I’d tell her, “Could you please excuse me? I have a desperate need that must be taken care of immediately.”

From "Ida B" by Katherine Hannigan

Related Words

• amuse
• charm
• cheer
• entertain
• gratify
• satisfy
• tickle
• wow