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pleasure

n. · v.
US //ˈpɫɛʒɝ// UK //plˈɛʒɐ// plea·sure
  1. 1 something enjoyable (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    an activity, person, or thing that gives you enjoyment.

    a specific source of enjoyment or a pleasant activity.

    Example

    Reading a good book by the fire is one of life's simple pleasures.

    Example

    The botanical gardens offer many pleasures to the amateur photographer, from rare tropical blooms to carefully manicured landscapes.

    Usage

    Countable in this sense.
  2. 2 polite response (n.)
    A2 Elementary Formal

    a polite way to say you were happy to help someone.

    a formulaic social expression used to acknowledge thanks or a meeting.

    Example

    It was a pleasure to meet you and your family at the wedding.

    Example

    When the host thanked him for the gift, he replied that it was a pleasure to contribute to such a worthy cause.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'It's my pleasure' or 'With pleasure'.
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  1. 3 formal will or choice (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    the choice or desire of someone in a powerful position.

    the will, desire, or arbitrary preference of a person or agency in authority.

    Example

    The committee members serve at the pleasure of the president.

    Example

    In many constitutional systems, certain officials hold their positions only at the pleasure of the sovereign.

    Usage

    Often found in the phrase 'at someone's pleasure'.
  2. 4 to give enjoyment (v.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    to give someone a feeling of happiness or satisfaction.

    to afford or provide gratification to another person.

    Example

    The beautiful music seemed to pleasure the entire audience.

    Example

    The chef aimed to pleasure the palates of his guests with a fusion of traditional and modern techniques.

    Usage

    Transitive verb taking a direct object.
Origin

From Early Modern English pleasur, plesur, alteration (with ending accommodated to -ure) of Middle English plaisir (“pleasure”), from Old French plesir, plaisir (“to please”), infinitive used as a noun, conjugated form of plaisir or plaire, from Latin placeō (“to please, to seem good”), from the Proto-Indo-European *pleh₂-k- (“wide and flat”). Related to Dutch plezier (“pleasure, fun”). More at please.

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