ENGLISH
REFERENCE

pleasing

adj. · n.
US //ˈpɫizɪŋ// UK //plˈiːzɪŋ// pleas·ing
  1. 1 attractive or satisfying (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    giving you a feeling of happiness or satisfaction because it is nice.

    giving pleasure, enjoyment, or satisfaction; often used to describe aesthetic qualities or harmonious arrangements.

    Example

    The room was decorated in a very pleasing shade of light green.

    Example

    The architect achieved a pleasing symmetry in the building's facade, balancing traditional materials with a modern, minimalist silhouette.

  2. 2 satisfaction (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

    the state of being happy or satisfied with something.

    the state of being pleased or the act of providing satisfaction; typically found in formal or literary prepositional phrases.

    Example

    The final design of the garden was much to her pleasing.

    Example

    The arrangement of the ceremony was conducted entirely to the monarch's pleasing, with every detail reflecting the traditions of the court.

Etymology 1

From Middle English plesynge, pleizinge, plesende (present participle), equivalent to please + -ing.

Etymology 2

From Middle English plesing, plesinge (“satisfaction; pleasing”), equivalent to please + -ing.

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