/ ˈpleʒə(r); NAmE / noun
1.
[ U ] pleasure (in sth / in doing sth) | pleasure (of sth / of doing sth) a state of feeling or being happy or satisfied
SYN enjoyment :
to read for pleasure
He takes no pleasure in his work.
She had the pleasure of seeing him look surprised.
( formal )
It gives me great pleasure to introduce our guest speaker.
We request the pleasure of your company at the marriage of our daughter Lisa.
➡ note at fun
2.
[ U ] the activity of enjoying yourself, especially in contrast to working :
Are you in Paris on business or pleasure?
➡ note at entertainment
3.
[ C ] a thing that makes you happy or satisfied :
the pleasure and pains of everyday life
the simple pleasures of the countryside
It's a pleasure to meet you.
'Thanks for doing that.' 'It's a pleasure.'
—compare displeasure
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IDIOMS
- at your / sb's pleasure
- my pleasure
- with pleasure
••
SYNONYMS
pleasure
delight ♦ joy ♦ treat
These are all words for things that make you happy or bring you enjoyment.
pleasure
a thing that brings you enjoyment or satisfaction:
the pleasures and pains of everyday life
•
It's been a pleasure meeting you.
delight
a thing or person that brings you great enjoyment or satisfaction:
the delights of living in the country
joy
a thing or person that brings you great enjoyment or happiness:
the joys and sorrows of childhood
pleasure, delight or joy?
A delight or joy is stronger than a pleasure ; a person, especially a child, can be a delight or joy , but not a pleasure ; joys are often contrasted with sorrows , but delights are not.
treat
( informal ) a thing that sb enjoyed or is likely to enjoy very much:
You've never been to this area before? Then you're in for a real treat .
PATTERNS AND COLLOCATIONS :
the pleasures / delights / joys of sth
It's a pleasure / delight / joy / treat to see / find...
It was a great pleasure / delight / joy to me that...
Some of their football was a pleasure / delight / joy to behold / watch.
Their baby girl was a delight / joy.
a real / rare pleasure / delight / joy / treat
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French plaisir to please (used as a noun). The second syllable was altered under the influence of abstract nouns ending in -ure , such as measure .