English Reference
adjective · noun

pleasing

adj. · n.
US /ˈpɫizɪŋ/ UK /plˈiːzɪŋ/ pleas·ing

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

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

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

    Simple

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

    In context

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

    unpleasantdispleasing
  2. 02 C2 Proficiency FormalLiterary

    n.the state of being happy or satisfied with something.

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

    Simple

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

    In context

    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.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English plesynge
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated