please

¹please

verb \ˈplēz\

pleasedpleas·ing

Definition of PLEASE

intransitive verb

1

: to afford or give pleasure or satisfaction

2

: like, wish <do as you please>

3

archaic : to have the kindness <will you please to enter the carriage — Charles Dickens>

transitive verb

1

: to give pleasure to : gratify

2

: to be the will or pleasure of <may it please Your Majesty>

— pleas·er \ˈplē-zər\ noun

Examples of PLEASE

1. He joined the football team to please his father.
2. Her parents were pleased by her decision.
3. It pleases me to know that you liked the gift.
4. They're very hard to please.

Origin of PLEASE

Middle English plesen, from Anglo-French plaisir, pleisir, pleire, from Latin placēre; akin to Latin placare to placate and perhaps to Greek plak-, plax flat surface — more at fluke

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PLEASE

Synonyms

agree (with), content, delight, feast, gas [slang], glad [archaic], gladden, gratify, pleasure, rejoice, satisfy, suit, warm

Antonyms

displease

Related Words

appease, mollify, pacify, placate, soothe; assuage, quench, sate, satiate; excite, tickle, titillate; amuse, divert, entertain, treat; captivate, charm; galvanize, thrill; calm, comfort; cater (to), humor, indulge; coddle, mollycoddle, pamper, spoil

Near Antonyms

aggravate, annoy, bother, bug, chafe, cross, exasperate, gall, get, grate, irk, irritate, nettle, peeve, perturb, pique, put out, ruffle, vex; anger, enrage, incense, inflame (also enflame), infuriate, madden, outrage, rankle, rile, roil, steam up; provoke, rouse; agitate, distress, disturb, fret, upset; harass, harry, pester; affront, insult, offend

²please

adverb

Definition of PLEASE

1

—used as a function word to express politeness or emphasis in a request <please come in>

2

—used as a function word to express polite affirmation <like some tea? Please>

3

—used as a function word to express scornful disagreement, disapproval, or disbelief <you believe that? Oh, please>

First Known Use of PLEASE

1667