please
[ pleez ]
/ pliz /
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adverb
(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.
to act to the pleasure or satisfaction of: to please the public.
to be the pleasure or will of: May it please your Majesty.
verb (used without object), pleased, pleas·ing.
to like, wish, or feel inclined: Go where you please.
to give pleasure or satisfaction; be agreeable: manners that please.
QUIZ
THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?
Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
Question 1 of 7
In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
Idioms about please
- if it be your pleasure; if you like or prefer.
- (used as an exclamation expressing astonishment, indignation, etc.): The missing letter was in his pocket, if you please!
if you please,
Origin of please
First recorded in 1275–1325; (verb) Middle English plesen, plaisen, from Middle French plaisir, ultimately from Latin placēre “to please, seem good” (see 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
OTHER WORDS FROM please
WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH please
pleas, pleaseDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use please in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for please
please
/ (pliːz) /
verb
adverb
(sentence modifier) used in making polite requests and in pleading, asking for a favour, etcplease don't tell the police where I am
yes please a polite formula for accepting an offer, invitation, etc
Derived forms of please
pleasable, adjectivepleased, adjectivepleasedly (ˈpliːzɪdlɪ), adverbpleaser, nounWord Origin for please
C14 plese, from Old French plaisir, from Latin placēre to please, satisfy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Other Idioms and Phrases with please
please
see as you please.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.