WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025
please /pliz/USA pronunciation
adv., v., pleased, pleas•ing.
adv.
v.
See -plac-.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025adv.
- (used as a polite addition to requests, etc.) if you would be so willing;
kindly:Please come here. A cup of coffee, please.
v.
- to give pleasure, happiness, or gratification to:[~ + object]You can't please everyone.
- to like, wish, or feel inclined;
choose:[no object* used after words like wherever, whatever, anywhere, anyone]Go wherever you please. Ask anyone you please.
- Idioms if you please:
- Idioms(used after a request, etc., to add politeness) if it is your pleasure;
if you like or wish:Step over here, if you please, and raise your right hand. - Idioms(used to express astonishment, anger, etc.):If you please, madam! Stop shouting!
- Idioms(used after a request, etc., to add politeness) if it is your pleasure;
See -plac-.
please
(plēz),USA pronunciation adv., v., pleased, pleas•ing.
adv.
v.t.
v.i.
pleas′a•ble, adj.
pleas•ed•ly
(plē′zid lē, plēzd′-),USA pronunciation adv.
pleas′ed•ness, n.
pleas′er, n.
adv.
- (used as a polite addition to requests, commands, etc.) if you would be so obliging; kindly:Please come here. Will you please turn the radio off?
v.t.
- to act to the pleasure or satisfaction of:to please the public.
- to be the pleasure or will of:May it please your Majesty.
v.i.
- to like, wish, or feel inclined:Go where you please.
- to give pleasure or satisfaction;
be agreeable:manners that please. - if you please:
- Idiomsif it be your pleasure;
if you like or prefer. - Idioms(used as an exclamation expressing astonishment, indignation, etc.):The missing letter was in his pocket, if you please!
- Idiomsif it be your pleasure;
- Middle French plaisir
Latin placēre to please, seem good (see placid); the use of please with requests, etc., is presumably a reduction of the clause (it) please you may it please you, later reinforced by imper. use of intransitive please to be pleased, wish - (verb, verbal) Middle English plesen, plaisen 1275–1325
pleas′er, n.
- 4.See corresponding entry in Unabridged choose, desire, prefer.
'pleaser' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):