What does pleasure mean?
Pleasure is a noun meaning a feeling of enjoyment, delight, or satisfaction, as in taking pleasure in a hobby or helping others. It can also name something welcome or pleasurable, such as a gift or an experience. The word is used across formal and informal contexts, including polite expressions such as "It is a pleasure to meet you." Its meaning is generally positive, but it can suggest satisfaction or contentment as much as intense excitement. The related verb form, now uncommon and somewhat formal or archaic, means to please or delight someone. Pleasures can also refer to activities or enjoyments collectively, although this use is less frequent in modern English. The word is closely related etymologically to please, pleasant, and pleasing, all of which derive from the Latin root placere, meaning to please or be agreeable.
A feeling of enjoyment, delight, or satisfaction; something that gives enjoyment or is welcome.
"The warm sunlight was a pleasure after the long journey."
A courteous phrase such as "a pleasure to meet you" is widely used in introductions and formal correspondence.
To please or delight someone.
"The account greatly pleased the listeners."
This verb form is uncommon and generally sounds formal, literary, or archaic; "please" is normally preferred in modern usage.
The plural is used for individual enjoyments or for collections of pleasurable experiences.
"The city is famous for its cultural pleasures."
A pleasure can be as simple as the satisfaction of finishing a difficult task, and the word has described that feeling for centuries.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pleasure
The word pleasure entered English from Old French plaisir, which was derived from Latin placere, meaning to please or be agreeable. The Latin root also underlies please and pleasant. Over time, the noun came to denote both the feeling of being pleased and the thing or experience that gives pleasure. The related verb meaning to please or delight is now uncommon outside formal and archaic usage.
Related word forms
How pleasure is actually used
The phrase "a pleasure to..." is especially common in polite introductions, correspondence, and formal speech. In the sense of enjoyment, "pleasure" is common in both formal and informal English, though it often sounds warmer and more reflective than "enjoyment."
Easily confused with pleasure
Pleasure is the feeling or experience of enjoyment, whereas leisure is free time available for rest, recreation, or enjoyment.