please

1 of 2

verb

pleased; pleasing

intransitive verb

1
: to afford or give pleasure or satisfaction
2
: like, wish
do as you please
3
archaic : to have the kindness
will you please to enter the carriageCharles Dickens

transitive verb

1
: to give pleasure to : gratify
2
: to be the will or pleasure of
may it please Your Majesty

please

2 of 2

adverb

1
used as a function word to express politeness or emphasis in a request
please come in
2
used as a function word to express polite affirmation
like some tea? Please
3
used as a function word to express scornful disagreement, disapproval, or disbelief
you believe that? Oh, please

Examples of please in a Sentence

Verb He joined the football team to please his father. Her parents were pleased by her decision. It pleases me to know that you liked the gift. They're very hard to please.
Recent Examples on the Web
Verb
Baker was the antithesis of Ray Croc: pleased with his modest yet rewarding accomplishments, content with his wealth, and dedicated to serving his local community. Danny Palumbo / The Takeout, Quartz, 24 Mar. 2024 Fisher-Price Baby's First Blocks This classic toy is an ultra-affordable option that is sure to please little ones. Julie Evans, Parents, 22 Mar. 2024 His show, which pleases his cult following to no end, lacks the direction, pacing and timing needed to put him over the top. Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 18 Mar. 2024 The traditionalism of Viennese art may have held him back, but so did his own hunger to please. Jackson Arn, The New Yorker, 18 Mar. 2024 Continue reading … ‘MEA CULPA’ – Author claims Kate Middleton is ‘more eager to please’ than Princess Diana. Fox News, 18 Mar. 2024 This wishlist—with cult-favorite cookies, utterly chic granola, and luxe cake mixes—is sure to please the gluten-free person in your life. Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appétit, 15 Mar. 2024 The staff, while still finding its footing, is smart, attentive and determined to please. Keith Pandolfi, The Enquirer, 15 Mar. 2024 In a speech that touched on the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, Harris tried to please all sides of the issue — and succeeded only in irritating all parties equally. Noah Rothman, National Review, 4 Mar. 2024
Adverb
Naturally, during the 113 years those bells have hung in Mitchell Tower, there have been Hyde Park residents asking if these (expletive) change ringers would please stop. Christopher Borrelli, chicagotribune.com, 23 Dec. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'please.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Verb

Middle English plesen, from Anglo-French plaisir, pleisir, pleire, from Latin placēre; akin to Latin placare to placate and perhaps to Greek plak-, plax flat surface — more at fluke entry 2

First Known Use

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Adverb

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of please was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near please

Cite this Entry

“Please.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/please. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

please

1 of 2 verb
pleased; pleasing
1
: to give pleasure or satisfaction
the new show will really please you
2
: to feel the desire : like
do what you please

please

2 of 2 adverb
used to express politeness in a request
please come in

More from Merriam-Webster on please

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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