Displeased Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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displeased

[dษชsหˆpliหzd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

feeling

feeling or showing annoyance or dissatisfaction

Synonyms

annoyed, unhappy, unpleased.

Examples of usage

  • She was displeased with the service at the restaurant.
  • He looked displeased when he saw the mess in the room.
Context #2 | Adjective

appearance

not pleased; discontented; unhappy

Synonyms

discontented, unhappy, unpleased.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
displeased

Used when someone is showing mild annoyance or dissatisfaction, often in a formal or polite context.

  • The manager was displeased with the team's performance.
  • She looked displeased when the waiter brought her the wrong dish.
unhappy

A general and broad term for feeling sad or dissatisfied, suitable in both formal and informal contexts.

  • She has been unhappy ever since they moved to the new city.
  • The students were unhappy with the new school policies.
discontented

Used when someone feels a general sense of dissatisfaction, often with their current situation or surroundings.

  • He felt discontented with his job and was considering a career change.
  • The citizens were discontented with the slow pace of governmental reforms.
unpleased

Similar to 'displeased,' but is less commonly used and might sound a bit awkward or old-fashioned. It conveys mild annoyance or dissatisfaction.

  • The judge seemed unpleased with the defendant's attitude.
  • He was unpleased by the constant interruptions during his speech.

Examples of usage

  • Her displeased expression made it clear she was upset.
  • The displeased look on his face showed his dissatisfaction.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Feeling displeased can trigger stress responses in the body, leading to increased heart rate and tension.
  • Studies show that people often express displeasure non-verbally, through body language and facial expressions.
  • Acknowledging displeasure can be healthy, as it helps individuals understand their feelings and improve situations.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, a characterโ€™s displeasure often sets the stage for conflict, propelling the story forward.
  • Social media platforms can easily amplify feelings of displeasure, as users share frustrations with others rapidly.
  • Songs often express displeasure in relationships, showing how common it is to convey negative feelings through art.

Literature

  • Classic novels frequently showcase displeased characters, using it as a tool for character development and plot progression.
  • Poetic works often explore themes of displeasure, highlighting human emotions in various contexts.
  • Shakespeareโ€™s plays frequently feature displeased characters, showcasing human flaws and societal issues.

Origin of 'displeased'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the prefix 'dis-', meaning 'not,' combined with 'pleased', which means happy or satisfied.
  • Its usage dates back to the late 14th century, showcasing the long-standing nature of expressing dissatisfaction.
  • Similar words in other languages, like 'dรฉรงu' in French, also mean disappointed or displeased, reflecting shared feelings.

The word 'displeased' originated from the combination of the prefix 'dis-' meaning 'not' and the word 'pleased'. It first appeared in the 14th century in Middle English. Over the centuries, its usage has remained consistent in describing feelings of annoyance or dissatisfaction.


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

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,238, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.