pleasure
HighNeutral (Used in both formal and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A feeling of happy satisfaction and enjoyment.
An event, activity, or source of enjoyment; a polite expression of thanks or satisfaction; the formal or polite satisfaction of a wish.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word often carries a connotation of a gentle, satisfying joy rather than intense excitement. It can also refer to sensual gratification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical. The primary difference lies in the idiomatic response to 'thank you': 'You're welcome' (more common in AmE) vs. 'My pleasure' (common in both, but perhaps more formulaic in AmE service contexts).
Connotations
Similar in both. The word can have an innocent or a sensual connotation depending on context.
Frequency
Similar high frequency in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
It gives me (great) pleasure to...take pleasure in doing sthhave the pleasure of doing sthat sb's pleasurefor pleasureVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “At Her Majesty's pleasure”
- “my pleasure”
- “man of pleasure”
- “pleasure principle”
- “mix business with pleasure”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'It is with great pleasure that we announce the promotion...'; used in formal correspondence and announcements.
Academic
Referenced in psychology (e.g., Freud's pleasure principle), philosophy (utilitarianism: 'greatest pleasure for the greatest number'), and literary analysis.
Everyday
'It's a pleasure to meet you.'; 'Thank you for your help.' – 'My pleasure.'; 'I read for pleasure.'
Technical
In neurology/psychology, related to the brain's reward system and dopamine release.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- (Archaic/Rare) He lived to pleasure himself, with little thought for others.
American English
- (Rare/Sensual) The book was written to pleasure its specific audience.
adjective
British English
- They embarked on a pleasure cruise around the islands.
- The park is a popular pleasure ground.
American English
- He took a pleasure trip to Las Vegas.
- The boat is for pleasure use only.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Listening to music gives me great pleasure.
- 'Would you like a cup of tea?' – 'Yes, with pleasure.'
- It was a real pleasure to finally meet you in person.
- One of life's simple pleasures is a walk in the park.
- She derives immense pleasure from helping her students succeed.
- He confessed to taking a guilty pleasure in watching reality TV.
- The court may detain the offender at His Majesty's pleasure.
- Her work explores the complex interplay between pain and pleasure.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'pleasure' as a 'pleasing treasure' you feel inside.
Conceptual Metaphor
PLEASURE IS A FLUID IN A CONTAINER (filled with pleasure), PLEASURE IS UP (my spirits lifted), PLEASURE IS A JOURNEY (pursuit of pleasure).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation of 'удовольствие' covers most uses, but note: 'with pleasure' = 'с удовольствием'. The formal phrase 'It's my pleasure' as a response to thanks does not directly translate to 'моё удовольствие' in Russian, which sounds odd.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'pleasure' (n.) with 'please' (v.). Misspelling as 'pleausure'. Using 'pleasure' as a verb in modern English is rare/archaic (except in a sexual context).
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase is a common, polite response to 'thank you'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is common in both, but is perhaps more stereotypically associated with American service industry responses to 'thank you'. In the UK, 'you're welcome' or 'not at all' are also very common.
Yes, but it is rare in modern standard English. Historically it meant 'to give pleasure to'. Today, its use is often limited to literary or sensual contexts and is not recommended for learners in active use.
'Pleasure' often refers to a more immediate, sensory, or situational feeling of satisfaction. 'Joy' can imply a deeper, more profound, and sometimes spiritual or lasting happiness.
Not strictly negative. It describes something one enjoys but feels slightly embarrassed about liking, often because it's seen as trivial, lowbrow, or unconventional (e.g., liking pop music when you prefer classical).