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, pleas·ing.

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, pleas·ing.

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)

   the court pleases

   if it pleases you

3. if you please
   if you will or wish, sometimes used in ironic exclamation
4. pleased with
   happy because of
5. please oneself
   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. yes please
   a polite formula for accepting an offer, invitation, etc

Derived Forms

• ˈpleaser, noun
• pleased, adjective
• ˈpleasable, adjective
• pleasedly, adverb

Other Words From

• pleas·a·ble adjective
• pleas·ed·ly [plee, -zid-lee, pleezd, -], adverb
• pleas·ed·ness noun
• pleas·er noun
• half-pleased adjective
• out·please verb (used with object) outpleased outpleasing
• o·ver·please verb overpleased overpleasing
• self-pleased adjective
• un·pleas·a·ble adjective
• un·pleased adjective
• well-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!

More idioms and phrases containing please

see as you please .

Example Sentences

“Please, please do not permit this to happen here in Florida,” wrote Cris K. Smith of East Polk County.

From The Daily Beast

“Please,” he laughed, handing me the map after he was finished sketching.

From The Daily Beast

Please, Your Excellencies, consider my case with justice and intervene on my behalf.

From The Daily Beast

Please know she has a very special place in our collective hearts.

From The Daily Beast

I would nod, and we'd tell the St. Regis 'One more night, please.'

From The Daily Beast

All please noteHis wondrous height and girth; He has the longest legs and throatOf anything on earth.

From Project Gutenberg

Add to this, if you please, the great difficulty of obtaining from them even the words that they have.

From Project Gutenberg

I desired the captain would please to accept this ring in return of his civilities, which he absolutely refused.

From Project Gutenberg

Hain't I kep' in doors uv a nite, an quit chawn tobacker and smokin' segars just to please her?

From Project Gutenberg

She would not dare to choose, and begged that Mademoiselle Reisz would please herself in her selections.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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