DictionaryAI

please

SayPLEEZ/pliz//pliːz/

Verbpleases, pleasing, pleased

6 meanings of please

Practice

  1. 1
    polite requestadverb
    A polite word used when you ask someone for something.

    Like adding a smile to your words when you ask for something.

    Please pass me the salt.

    Can I have some water, please?

    UsagePlease with an order can sound strong. Could you please...? is softer.

    Similarkindly

    Note
  2. 2
    make happyverbtransitive or intransitive
    To make someone feel happy or glad.

    Like giving someone a gift they really wanted.

    She worked hard to please her new boss.

    It pleases me to see you doing so well.

    UsagePeople say hard to please or eager to please.

    Similarsatisfy, delight, gratify, content, amuse

    Oppositedisplease, annoy, irritate, disgust

  3. 3
    accept offerinterjection
    A polite way to say yes when someone offers you something.

    Like nodding yes, but with kind words.

    "Would you like some tea?" "Please."

    "Can I get you a drink?" "Please, that would be lovely."

    UsageSay Yes, please to accept. When someone says thank you, answer you're welcome, not please.

    Similaryes

    Note
  4. 4
    chooseverbintransitive
    To want or choose to do something.

    Like having a free choice with no one stopping you.

    You can sit wherever you please.

    They come and go as they please.

    UsageSay as you please or wherever you please.

    Similardesire, will

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 5
    annoyanceinterjection
    Said to show that you are annoyed or do not believe something.

    Like rolling your eyes, but in a word.

    Oh, please, you can't be serious!

    Oh please, like that was ever going to work.

    UsagePeople say Oh, please! when they do not believe something.

  2. 6
    interjectiondialectalCincinnati
    Said to ask someone to repeat what they just said.

Practice

Can you tell the meanings of please apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.

Origin

From Latin placeo, meaning "to please," which came into English through Old French.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts