pleasing

UK: /ˈpliːzɪŋ/ US: /ˈplizɪŋ/ ,(plē′zing)

From the verb please: (⇒ conjugate)

pleasing is: ⓘ

v pres p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

pleas•ing /ˈplizɪŋ/   adj. 

1. giving pleasure;
   agreeable;
   satisfying or gratifying:
   a pleasing appearance in his suit and shiny new shoes.

pleas•ing•ly, adv. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

pleas•ing  (plē′zing), adj. 

1. giving pleasure;
   agreeable;
   gratifying:
   a pleasing performance.

• Middle English plesing. See please, -ing² 1350–1400

pleas′ing•ly, adv. 
pleas′ing•ness, n. 
Synonyms

pleasant, charming, delightful, engaging. See interesting. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

pleasing / ˈpliːzɪŋ/ adjective

1. giving pleasure; likable or gratifying

ˈpleasingly adverb

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

please /pliz/   adv., v., pleased, pleas•ing. 
adv. 

1. (used as a polite addition to requests, etc.) if you would be so willing;
   kindly:
   Please come here. A cup of coffee, please.

v. 

2. to give pleasure, happiness, or gratification to:
   [~ + object] You can't please everyone.
3. 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

4. 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!

See -plac-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

please  (plēz), adv., v., pleased, pleas•ing. 
adv. 

1. (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. 

2. to act to the pleasure or satisfaction of:
   to please the public.
3. to be the pleasure or will of:
   May it please your Majesty.

v.i. 

4. to like, wish, or feel inclined:
   Go where you please.
5. to give pleasure or satisfaction;
   be agreeable:
   manners that please.
6. if you please:
   • Idioms if 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!

• 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′a•ble, adj. 
pleas•ed•ly  (plē′zid lē, plēzd′-), adv.  pleas′ed•ness, n. 
pleas′er, n. 
Synonyms

• 4. choose, desire, prefer.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

please / pliːz/ verb

1. to give satisfaction, pleasure, or contentment to (a person); make or cause (a person) to be glad
2. to be the will of or have the will (to): if it pleases you, the court pleases
3. if you please ⇒ if you will or wish, sometimes used in ironic exclamation
4. pleased with ⇒ happy because of
5. please oneself ⇒ to do as one likes

adverb

1. (sentence modifier) used in making polite requests and in pleading, asking for a favour, etc
2. yes please ⇒ a polite formula for accepting an offer, invitation, etc

Etymology: 14th Century plese, from Old French plaisir, from Latin placēre to please, satisfy

pleased adjective

pleasedly / ˈpliːzɪdlɪ/ adverb