pleasure
PLEH-zhuh
Pleasure (noun) means a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or enjoyment. Example: “Reading in bed on a rainy day is one of life's simple pleasures.”
noun
1
A feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or enjoyment.
"Reading in bed on a rainy day is one of life's simple pleasures."
"It gives me great pleasure to introduce our guest speaker."
"She took great pleasure in watching her garden bloom every spring."
2
Sexual enjoyment or gratification.
"The film explored themes of pleasure and desire."
verb
1
To give someone enjoyment, especially sexual.
"He tried his best to pleasure her."
How to use pleasure
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEnjoyment or satisfaction, whether from a simple everyday moment or a more intimate one.
Common pairings
guilty pleasure
take pleasure in
my pleasure
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Word forms
- Plural
- pleasures
- Third person singular
- pleasures
- Past tense
- pleasured
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Reading in bed on a rainy day is one of life's simple _____.
Etymology
From Old French plaisir/plesir, ultimately from Latin placere ("to please"). Closely related to please.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for pleasure
See all rhymes for pleasure →Frequently asked questions
What does “pleasure” mean?
The word “pleasure” means a feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or enjoyment. In plain terms, enjoyment or satisfaction, whether from a simple everyday moment or a more intimate one.
How do you pronounce “pleasure”?
“Pleasure” is pronounced PLEH-zhuh (/ˈplɛʒɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pleasure” in a sentence?
Here is “pleasure” used in a sentence: “Reading in bed on a rainy day is one of life's simple pleasures.”
What is another word for “pleasure”?
Words with a similar meaning to “pleasure” include beatitude, bliss, delectation, delight, ecstasy and euphoria.
What is the opposite of “pleasure”?
The opposite of “pleasure” — its antonyms — is agony.
What part of speech is “pleasure”?
Depending on how it is used, “pleasure” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “pleasure” come from?
The word “pleasure” comes from Latin. From Old French plaisir/plesir, ultimately from Latin placere ("to please"). Closely related to please.
Is “pleasure” a common word?
“Pleasure” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
What is the difference between pleasure and happiness?
Pleasure is usually an immediate, often physical or sensory enjoyment — a good meal, a warm bath, a favourite song. Happiness is a deeper, longer-lasting sense of contentment and wellbeing. Pleasure tends to come and go in moments; happiness is a broader, more settled state of mind.
What is the difference between pleasure and joy?
Pleasure is a pleasant feeling tied to enjoyment or satisfaction, often momentary and sometimes sensory. Joy is usually stronger, deeper, and more emotional — a lasting gladness that can rise above circumstances. You can take pleasure in small comforts, but joy tends to fill and move you more completely.
What are the types of pleasure?
People often distinguish physical or sensory pleasures — food, warmth, touch, music — from mental or emotional ones, such as the satisfaction of solving a problem or helping someone. There are also social pleasures found in company. All share the same core: a feeling of enjoyment or gratification.
Is pleasure a positive word?
Yes. Pleasure describes enjoyment, satisfaction, and happiness, so it is overwhelmingly positive. It also appears in polite, warm expressions like 'my pleasure' and 'a pleasure to meet you.' Only in phrases warning against excess does it carry any caution, and even then the feeling itself remains agreeable.
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