# please

/ˈpɫiz/ (US) · /plˈiːz/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/please
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to satisfy or make happy

verb · CEFR B1

to make someone feel happy or satisfied.

For teachers: to give pleasure to or satisfy the desires of another person.

- He worked hard to please his parents by getting good grades.
- The chef went to great lengths to please the critics, knowing a single negative review could damage the restaurant's reputation.

Usage: Often used in the passive form 'to be pleased with'.

### 2. to wish or choose

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

to choose to do something or to do what you want.

For teachers: to have the will or desire to do something; often used in formal or literary contexts.

- You may come and go as you please during the conference.
- The guests were informed they could wander the estate as they pleased, provided they did not disturb the private gardens.

Usage: Commonly follows 'as', 'what', or 'where'.

### 3. polite request

adverb · CEFR A1

a word you use to be polite when you ask for something.

For teachers: a politeness marker used to soften a request or command.

- Could I have a glass of water, please?
- Please ensure that all electronic devices are switched to silent mode before the performance begins.

### 4. accepting an offer

interjection · CEFR A1

a polite way to say 'yes' when someone offers you something.

For teachers: used as a polite affirmative response to an offer or invitation.

- "Would you like some more tea?" "Yes, please."
- "Would you care for a lift to the station?" "Yes, please, that would be most helpful."

## Examples

- I really want to please my parents with my grades.
- The chef worked hard to please the food critics during the opening night of the restaurant.
- While it is impossible to please every stakeholder simultaneously, the committee aimed for a compromise that addressed the most urgent concerns of the local community.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.