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

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

see as you please.

Example Sentences

I’m like, “I know this is ridiculous, but please, can you give me a quote on this?”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"It's almost palpably eager to please – and if you don't welcome it right into your heart, you might want to check there's not some marmalade gumming it shut."

Read more on BBC

Sir Andreas told the BBC in 2002 how he had been described as an "urbane liberal" by the Daily Mail for this controversial move "and I was so pleased with the 'urbane'."

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Gerry: Can we not please just keep O'Neill for the rest of the season?

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Breeds with low levels were most often labeled "friendly," followed by "eager to please," "easy to train," "courageous," "lively," and "affectionate."

Read more on Science Daily

Related Words

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