pleasantry

American  

[plez-uhn-tree] / ˈplɛz ən tri /

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.

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pleasantry British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of pleasantry

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

Example Sentences

Despite those words, a relaxed Joshua and social media star Paul - usually known for his theatrics - exchanged pleasantries and kept it respectful with each other.

From BBC

“After my shock wears off, and we exchange brief pleasantries, I ask if we can hitch a ride back to Ashton Place. ‘Only if you can bake!’ he says.

From Literature

Mrs. Leftwich and Mama exchanged pleasantries, and I entertained myself counting and recounting the silverware.

From Literature

As they exchanged a few pleasantries in Russian, sounding like acquaintances but not close friends, he handed her an envelope.

From Literature

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

From BBC

Related Words

• repartee
• witticism