Please
What it means
To give someone enjoyment, satisfaction, or welcome approval.
Reach for it when describing an effect that suits another person's tastes or wishes
The reading corner will please children who enjoy building stories from pictures.
Words to choose between 8
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday |
|
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
win over
Fits when initial doubt changes to approval
Careful The idiom implies resistance and is wrong when the audience was already receptive.
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everyday
appeal to
Fits when a feature attracts a particular taste
Careful Appeal can exist before anyone actually experiences pleasure.
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warm
Fits when distinctive manner or character wins affection
Careful Charm can manipulate or attract without satisfying a real need.
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warm
Fits when the enjoyment is vivid and unmistakable
Careful Delight is much stronger than mild satisfaction.
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professional
Fits when enjoyment comes from holding interest or providing amusement
Careful Entertainment is narrower than pleasing through comfort, beauty, or approval.
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professional
Fits when needs, standards, or expectations are met
Careful Satisfaction can be cool and functional rather than pleasurable.
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formal
Fits when a wish, feeling, or desire receives satisfaction
Careful It can suggest indulgence or self-importance in personal praise.
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literary
Fits when something brings warm happiness
Careful The elevated verb is unnatural for products, requirements, or mild preference.
Opposites 3
- displease
- annoy
- disappoint
Common phrases 3
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eager to please
The new assistant was eager to please but still asked when a request was unclear.
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please the audience
The ending may please the audience without simplifying the difficult theme.
-
designed to please
The garden was designed to please visitors and support native insects.
Word family 2
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated