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Definition of pleasure - 2 dictionary results

pleas⋅ure

  [plezh-er] noun, verb, -ured, -ur⋅ing.
Use pleasure in a Sentence
–noun
1. the state or feeling of being pleased.
2. enjoyment or satisfaction derived from what is to one's liking; gratification; delight.
3. worldly or frivolous enjoyment: the pursuit of pleasure.
4. recreation or amusement; diversion; enjoyment: Are you traveling on business or for pleasure?
5. sensual gratification.
6. a cause or source of enjoyment or delight: It was a pleasure to see you.
7. pleasurable quality: the pleasure of his company.
8. one's will, desire, or choice: to make known one's pleasure.
–verb (used with object)
9. to give pleasure to; gratify; please.
–verb (used without object)
10. to take pleasure; delight: I pleasure in your company.
11. to seek pleasure, as by taking a holiday.
Origin:
1325–75; late ME (see please, -ure ); r. ME plaisir < MF (n. use of inf.) < L placēre to please

Related forms:
pleas⋅ure⋅ful, adjective
pleas⋅ure⋅less, adjective
pleas⋅ure⋅less⋅ly, adverb

Synonyms:
1. happiness, gladness, delectation. Pleasure, enjoyment, delight, joy refer to the feeling of being pleased and happy. Pleasure is the general term: to take pleasure in beautiful scenery. Enjoyment is a quiet sense of well-being and pleasurable satisfaction: enjoyment at sitting in the shade on a warm day. Delight is a high degree of pleasure, usually leading to active expression of it: delight at receiving a hoped-for letter. Joy is a feeling of delight so deep and so lasting that one radiates happiness and expresses it spontaneously: joy at unexpected good news. 5. voluptuousness. 8. preference, wish, inclination, predilection.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To pleasure
pleas·ure   (plězh'ər)   
n.  

  1. The state or feeling of being pleased or gratified.

  2. A source of enjoyment or delight: The graceful skaters were a pleasure to watch.

  3. Amusement, diversion, or worldly enjoyment: "Pleasure . . . is a safer guide than either right or duty" (Samuel Butler).

  4. Sensual gratification or indulgence.

  5. One's preference or wish: What is your pleasure?

v.   pleas·ured, pleas·ur·ing, pleas·ures

v.   tr.
To give pleasure or enjoyment to; gratify: Our host pleasured us with his company.
v.   intr.

  1. To take pleasure; delight: The hiker paused, pleasuring in the sounds of the forest.

  2. To go in search of pleasure or enjoyment.


[Middle English, from Old French plaisir, from plaisir, to please; see please.]
pleas'ure·less adj.
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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