pleasure

¹plea·sure

noun \ˈple-zhər, ˈplā-\

Definition of PLEASURE

1

: desire, inclination <wait upon his pleasure — Shakespeare>

2

: a state of gratification

3

a : sensual gratification b : frivolous amusement

4

: a source of delight or joy

Examples of PLEASURE

1. I paint for the sheer pleasure of it.
2. His grandparents took great pleasure in seeing him graduate from college.
3. Is this trip for business or pleasure?
4. It is a special pleasure for me to be here with you today.
5. Now I can enjoy the simple pleasures of life, like spending time with my family.

Origin of PLEASURE

Middle English plesure, alteration of plesir, from Anglo-French plaisir, from plaisir to please

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to PLEASURE

Synonyms: content, contentedness, contentment, delectation, delight, enjoyment, gladness, gratification, happiness, relish, satisfaction

Antonyms: discontent, discontentedness, discontentment, displeasure, dissatisfaction, unhappiness

Related Words: afterglow; bliss, felicity, glee, gleefulness, joy, pleasance; amusement, diversion, entertainment; elatedness, elation, exhilaration, exultation, intoxication; ecstasy, euphoria, heaven, rapture; cheer, cheerfulness, exuberance, gaiety (also gayety), jollity, joyfulness, jubilation; joie de vivre; comfort, ease, restfulness

Near Antonyms: misery, sadness, unhappiness, wretchedness; anguish, desolation, joylessness, sorrow, woe; dejection, depression, despondency, dispiritedness, gloom, melancholy; aggravation, annoyance, exasperation, irritation, pique, vexation; anger, fury, rage; agitation, distress, disturbance, upset; discomfort, restlessness, uneasiness

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Rhymes with PLEASURE

leisure, measure, treasure