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Definition of pleasantries - 2 dictionary results

pleas⋅ant⋅ry

  [plez-uhn-tree]
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–noun, plural -ries.
1. good-humored teasing; banter.
2. a humorous or jesting remark.
3. a courteous social remark used to initiate or facilitate a conversation: to exchange pleasantries.
4. a humorous action.
Origin:
1645–55; < F plaisanterie, OF plesanterie. See pleasant, -ry
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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pleas·ant·ry   (plěz'ən-trē)   
n.   pl. pleas·ant·ries

  1. A humorous remark or act; a jest.

  2. A polite social utterance; a civility: exchanged pleasantries before getting down to business.

  3. A good-humored or playful manner in conversation or social relations.


[French plaisanterie, from Old French plesanterie, from plaisant, pleasant; see pleasant.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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