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

"I'm really pleased with the performance. Everyone worked hard and I think when we are playing at this level, we can put in performances like this one."

Read more on BBC

Oh please, I said, he has zero history of fearing to usurp judicial authority.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“We are pleased that the Court agreed with the County that former Sheriff Alex Villanueva’s claims are barred by California’s anti-SLAPP statute and had no merit,” he wrote in an emailed statement Thursday.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The final scenes race to a shuddery climax vividly crafted by Mr. Chu, who concludes with some suitably wonderful imagery and a pleasing reference to the signature poster art of the Broadway version.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Sir Sadiq said he was "really pleased" that the government is expected to back it.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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