pleasure
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.an activity, person, or thing that gives you enjoyment.
n.a specific source of enjoyment or a pleasant activity.
Simple“Reading a good book by the fire is one of life's simple pleasures.”
In context“The botanical gardens offer many pleasures to the amateur photographer, from rare tropical blooms to carefully manicured landscapes.”
UsageCountable in this sense.
Synonyms - 02 A2 Elementary
n.a polite way to say you were happy to help someone.
n.a formulaic social expression used to acknowledge thanks or a meeting.
Simple“It was a pleasure to meet you and your family at the wedding.”
In context“When the host thanked him for the gift, he replied that it was a pleasure to contribute to such a worthy cause.”
UsageCommonly used in the phrase 'It's my pleasure' or 'With pleasure'.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.the choice or desire of someone in a powerful position.
n.the will, desire, or arbitrary preference of a person or agency in authority.
Simple“The committee members serve at the pleasure of the president.”
In context“In many constitutional systems, certain officials hold their positions only at the pleasure of the sovereign.”
UsageOften found in the phrase 'at someone's pleasure'.
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
v.to give someone a feeling of happiness or satisfaction.
v.to afford or provide gratification to another person.
Simple“The beautiful music seemed to pleasure the entire audience.”
In context“The chef aimed to pleasure the palates of his guests with a fusion of traditional and modern techniques.”
UsageTransitive verb taking a direct object.
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.