pleasure

pronunciation

How to pronounce pleasure in British English: UK [ˈpleʒə(r)] word uk audio image

How to pronounce pleasure in American English: US [ˈpleʒər] word us audio image

Noun:

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
something or someone that provides pleasure; a source of happiness
a formal expression
an activity that affords enjoyment
sexual gratification

Word Origin

pleasure (n.): late 14c., "condition of enjoyment," from Old French plesir, also plaisir "enjoyment, delight, desire, will" (12c.), from noun use of infinitive plaisir (v.) "to please," from Latin placere "to please, give pleasure, be approved" (see please (v.)). Ending altered in English 14c. by influence of words in -ure (measure, etc.). Meaning "sensual enjoyment as the chief object of life" is attested from 1520s.

pleasure (v.): 1530s, "to take pleasure in;" 1550s as "give pleasure to," from pleasure (n.). Sexual sense by 1610s. Related: Pleasured; pleasuring.

Synonym

v.

in revel delight rejoice pleased be enjoy with

v.

satisfy gratify content delight

n.

jewel treasure gem prize

n.

mirth rejoicing jubilance happiness lightheartedness exultation euphoria elation contentment joyousness fun jubilation bliss joy glee joviality gladness satisfaction feeling enjoyment festivity jollity good amusement exhilaration gratification blitheness merriment joyfulness delight

n.

desire wish inclination will

n.

dissipation bodily voluptuousness enjoyment sensuality pleasure physical carnal hedonism

Antonym

n.

Example

1. I learned from them and discovered the pleasure of reading . "

2. We can sometimes mix business with pleasure .

3. Why do we get pleasure from the imagination ?

4. These will help you and your partner feel great pleasure .

5. It was a genuine pleasure to work with them .

more: >How to Use "pleasure" with Example Sentences