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REFERENCE

enjoy

v.
US //ˌɛnˈdʒɔɪ// UK //ɛndʒˈɔɪ// en·joy
  1. 1 to get pleasure (v.)
    A1 Beginner

    to get pleasure or satisfaction from something.

    to derive pleasure or satisfaction from an activity, object, or experience. Transitive — requires a direct object or a gerund.

    Example

    We really enjoy walking in the park when the weather is warm.

    Example

    Most visitors enjoy exploring the narrow medieval streets of the old town, especially during the quieter morning hours before the tour buses arrive.

    Pitfall
    I enjoy to watch movies.
    I enjoy watching movies.

    The verb 'enjoy' must be followed by a noun or a verb ending in -ing, never an infinitive with 'to'.

  2. 2 to have a benefit (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to have the use or benefit of something good, like good health or a right.

    to possess and benefit from a particular state, right, or advantage. Often used with abstract nouns like 'health', 'reputation', or 'success'.

    Example

    The company has enjoyed great success since it launched the new app.

    Example

    Despite his advanced age, the professor continued to enjoy excellent health and remained active in the university's research department.

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  1. 3 to have fun (v.)
    B1 Intermediate Dialect

    to have a good time or be happy in a situation.

    to experience pleasure or have fun. Used intransitively in specific regional dialects where the object is implied.

    Example

    The party was great and everyone was enjoying.

    Example

    The wedding guests were all enjoying, dancing until the early hours of the morning to the local band.

    Usage

    In standard British and American English, this verb is strictly transitive; using it without an object is characteristic of Indian English.

Origin

From Middle English enjoyen, from Old French enjoier, anjoier, enjoer (“to give joy, receive with joy, rejoice”), equivalent to en- + joy.

Word family

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