enjoy
- 01 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.
Simple“We really enjoy walking in the park when the weather is warm.”
In context“Most visitors enjoy exploring the narrow medieval streets of the old town, especially during the quieter morning hours before the tour buses arrive.”
PitfallI 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'.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
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'.
Simple“The company has enjoyed great success since it launched the new app.”
In context“Despite his advanced age, the professor continued to enjoy excellent health and remained active in the university's research department.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 B1 Intermediate
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.
Simple“The party was great and everyone was enjoying.”
In context“The wedding guests were all enjoying, dancing until the early hours of the morning to the local band.”
UsageIn standard British and American English, this verb is strictly transitive; using it without an object is characteristic of Indian English.
Usage enjoy experience
From Middle English enjoyen, from Old French enjoier, anjoier, enjoer (“to give joy, receive with joy, rejoice”), equivalent to en- + joy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.