What does pleased mean?
Pleased is an adjective meaning satisfied, delighted, or gratified. It commonly follows a preposition: “pleased with the result” indicates satisfaction with an outcome, while “pleased about the news” indicates a reaction to information. In formal contexts, “I am pleased to…” introduces something positive, although it can sound formal or conventional. “Pleased to meet you” is a courteous formula used when meeting someone for the first time. The word’s meaning ranges from mild contentment to strong delight, depending on context. It is related in origin to please, pleasant, pleasure, and pleasing, all of which reflect the idea of giving or experiencing enjoyment.
adjectiveFeeling or showing satisfaction, pleasure, or approval. It is also used as a polite formula of welcome or acknowledgment, as in “Pleased to meet you.”
- Feeling satisfied, delighted, or gratified by an event, experience, or outcome.
- Expressing polite approval or acknowledgment in a formal or courteous context.
- Content or willing, especially in the construction “pleased with” or “pleased to” do something.
"She was pleased with the thoughtful gift and immediately opened the package."
"The audience was pleased by the singer’s confident performance."
"I’m pleased to report that all the documents have been approved."
The word “pleased” can express a genuine emotional reaction or serve as a refined formula of courtesy, as in “pleased to meet you.”
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pleased come from?
Pleased was formed in Middle English by adding the suffix -ed to please, with the original sense of “comforted” or “satisfied.” Please itself comes through Old French plaisir from Latin placere, meaning “to please” or “to seem good.” The same Latin root also underlies pleasant and pleasure, while pleasing developed as a related form in English.
Related word forms
How pleased is actually used
The word is common in both formal and informal English. In formal correspondence, “I am pleased to…” is often a polite way to introduce good news, while “pleased with” emphasizes satisfaction with a person, result, or arrangement.
Easily confused with pleased
Pleasant describes something that gives pleasure or enjoyment, whereas pleased describes a person who feels pleasure or satisfaction.
Please is a verb used to make a polite request, while pleased is an adjective describing a satisfied or delighted person.