please

[pleez]

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?

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.

please

/ 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

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

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of please¹

First recorded in 1275–1325; (verb) Middle English plesen, plaisen, from Middle French plaisir, ultimately from Latin placēre “to please, seem good” ( 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of please¹

C14 plese, from Old French plaisir, from Latin placēre to please, satisfy

Idioms and Phrases

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!

see as you please.

Example Sentences

"If you have concerns for your safety or experience any hate or criminal behaviour, please speak to an officer or contact us online or by calling 101. Always dial 999 in an emergency."

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Oyelami is pleased to be part of such a major exhibition, even if the label "modernist" means very little to him.

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"But if you have got persuasive arguments please present them because to date I have not heard them," he adds.

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“I’m pleased because this has been a long road,” he said in a phone call Monday night.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Mr Johnson said he was "pleased for myself" that his case was won, "but not for the hundreds of others" who will miss out.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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