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Displease Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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displease

[dɪsˈpliːz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

feelings

To cause someone to feel unhappy or unsatisfied.

Synonyms

annoy, irritate, upset.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
displease

Used in formal contexts to describe causing someone to feel mildly unhappy or dissatisfied. It is less intense than 'upset' or 'irritate'.

  • The modifications to the plan might displease the senior managers.
  • The delay in the meeting displeased the attendees slightly.
upset

Used when describing causing someone to feel unhappy, worried, or disturbed. It implies a more emotional reaction than 'displease' or 'annoy'.

  • The news of the accident really upset her.
  • He was upset by the rude comment his friend made.
irritate

Used to describe causing someone to feel more intense irritation or anger. It often has a stronger negative connotation than 'annoy'.

  • The repetitive beeping sound irritates me every time I hear it.
  • Her insensitive remarks started to irritate everyone in the room.
annoy

Used when describing a situation that causes slight to moderate irritation or bother. 'Annoy' suggests a continuous or repeated action.

  • The constant noise from the construction site annoys the residents.
  • His habit of interrupting her while talking really annoys her.

Examples of usage

  • He knew his decision would displease his parents.
  • The changes in the schedule displease many employees.
  • I didn't mean to displease you, I was just being honest.
Context #2 | Verb

actions

To fail to satisfy or meet expectations.

Synonyms

disappoint, fail, fall short.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
displease

Appropriate when someone causes annoyance or anger to someone else. This term indicates a mild or moderate level of dissatisfaction.

  • His constant interruptions began to displease the audience.
  • The changes in the schedule did not displease everyone, but some were quite upset.
disappoint

Used when someone fails to meet expectations or hopes, causing a sense of sadness or letdown. This word often implies an emotional response.

  • She was disappointed when she didn't get the job.
  • His performance disappointed the fans who had expected more.
fail

Used when someone does not succeed in achieving a goal or meeting an objective. It often has a stronger negative connotation than 'disappoint' or 'displease'.

  • He failed the exam despite studying hard.
  • The project failed due to a lack of funding.
fall short

Applied when someone does not meet specific standards or expectations, but often with a softer or less harsh connotation than 'fail'. It can be used for both minor and major shortcomings.

  • Her efforts fell short of what was required to win the competition.
  • The proposal fell short of our expectations, so we requested revisions.

Examples of usage

  • The meal displease the picky eater.
  • Her performance displease the critics.
  • The final product displease the client.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing displeasure is a natural emotional response often tied to unmet expectations or desires.
  • Displeasure can impact relationships, as expressing feelings of annoyance can lead to conflicts if not handled well.

Literature

  • In Shakespearean plays, characters often express their displeasure with fate or others, enriching the dramatic tension.
  • Classic literature frequently explores themes of discontent, driving character development and plots forward.

Culture

  • Different cultures express displeasure in various ways, such as non-verbal cues like frowns or gestures.
  • In some societies, openly expressing displeasure might be seen as rude, while in others, it can be considered a form of honest communication.

Pop Culture

  • Popular movies often feature characters who seek to please others but face backlash, illustrating the theme of discontent.
  • In music, many songs reflect on experiences of disappointment and displeasure, resonating with audiences on an emotional level.

Origin of 'displease'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French 'desplaisir,' meaning 'to not please,' highlighting its negative aspect.
  • It combines the prefix 'dis,' indicating negation, with 'please,' showing the opposite action of making someone happy.

The word 'displease' originated from the Old French word 'desplaisir' which means 'to displease'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century. The prefix 'dis-' indicates negation or reversal, while 'please' comes from the Latin word 'placere' meaning 'to be acceptable'. Over time, 'displease' has retained its meaning of causing unhappiness or dissatisfaction.

See also: displeased, displeasedly, displeasing, displeasingness, pleasant, pleased, pleasing, pleasingly, unpleased, unpleasingly.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,227, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.