Enjoy: meaning, definitions and examples

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enjoy

[ɪnˈdʒɔɪ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

feeling

To take pleasure in something; to find joy or satisfaction in a particular activity or experience.

Synonyms

appreciate, delight in, relish, savor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enjoy	Commonly used to express general pleasure or happiness from an experience or activity. I really enjoy reading books on rainy days. She enjoys spending time with her friends.
appreciate	Often used to express gratitude or recognition of the value of something, can also mean to understand or recognize the worth of something. I appreciate your help with the project. He appreciates good music.
savor	Used when someone takes time to enjoy something fully, often associated with food or moments that are to be lingered over. He savored every bite of the delicious meal. She savors the quiet moments in her garden.
relish	Implies taking great enjoyment in something, often used for experiences or anticipation of something pleasurable. He relished the thought of a vacation. She relishes the challenge of a new project.
delight in	Used when someone takes great pleasure in something, often something they find particularly enjoyable. She delights in the laughter of children. He delights in solving difficult puzzles.

Examples of usage

I really enjoy spending time with my family.
She enjoys reading books in her free time.
They enjoy going for a walk in the park.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

use

To use or have the benefit of something with pleasure.

Synonyms

experience, have, take advantage of.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enjoy	Use this word when talking about taking pleasure or deriving satisfaction from something. I really enjoy going to the beach. She seems to enjoy her new job.
experience	This word is suitable for when you want to talk about feeling or undergoing something, often for the first time. He experienced a lot of joy during the concert. You'll experience a rush of excitement when you try bungee jumping.
have	This is a versatile word that can be used to indicate possession, but it can also imply experiencing or enjoying something, usually in a general sense. I had a great time at the party. She had a lovely vacation in Greece.
take advantage of	This phrase is used when someone makes use of an opportunity, situation, or resource to benefit themselves. It can have a neutral or negative connotation depending on the context. He took advantage of the sunny day to go hiking. Don't let people take advantage of your kindness.

Examples of usage

I enjoy a good cup of coffee in the morning.
She enjoys listening to music while working.
They enjoy the beautiful view from their balcony.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

pleasure

A feeling of great pleasure and satisfaction.

Synonyms

delight, pleasure, satisfaction.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
enjoy	Used when someone is having fun or finding something pleasant and agreeable. Commonly used in everyday settings and informal conversations. I really enjoy spending time with my friends. Do you enjoy playing soccer?
pleasure	Often used to express a sense of happiness and satisfaction. 'Pleasure' can denote enjoyment from something pleasing or agreeable and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It was a pleasure to meet you. Reading a good book is such a pleasure for me.
satisfaction	Typically used to indicate a feeling of contentment or fulfillment, especially after a need or desire has been met. This term is often used in more formal situations and can imply a deeper sense of accomplishment. She felt a sense of satisfaction after completing the project. The customer expressed his satisfaction with the service.
delight	This word is used for expressing great pleasure or extreme satisfaction, usually more intense than 'enjoy.' It is often used in more formal settings or to describe profound happiness. The children’s laughter filled me with delight. She was delighted by the beautiful surprise.

Examples of usage

The play brought great enjoyment to the audience.
She found a lot of enjoyment in painting.
The trip was full of enjoyment and adventure.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originated from the Old French term 'enjoir', which means 'to give joy to'.
Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'gaudere', meaning 'to rejoice'.
Over time, the meaning expanded to include any form of positive experience.

Psychology

Experiencing enjoyment can release endorphins, often called 'happy hormones', which help improve mood.
People often associate enjoyment with leisure activities that promote relaxation and reduce stress.
Studies suggest that enjoying activities can enhance one's overall life satisfaction and well-being.

Culture

In many cultures, festivals and celebrations are designed to bring joy and enjoyment to communities.
Food is a major source of enjoyment across cultures, with shared meals acting as a way to bond and celebrate.
Music is often considered one of the most universal sources of enjoyment, transcending language and cultural barriers.

Literature

Enjoyment in reading is often tied to how relatable characters and engaging plots are crafted.
Classic literary works often explore the juxtaposition of joy and sorrow, enhancing the understanding of characters’ experiences.
Humor in literature serves to evoke enjoyment, leading readers to connect emotionally and mentally with the story.

Pop Culture

Catchphrases such as 'Enjoy the ride!' are common in media, urging audiences to appreciate the journey.
Television shows and movies often depict enjoyment through the themes of friendship and love, showcasing relatable experiences.
Video games are designed to maximize enjoyment, with feedback loops that enhance player experience through achievements.

Translations

Translations of the word "enjoy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aproveitar

desfrutar
gozar

🇮🇳 आनंद लेना

मज़ा लेना
उपभोग करना

🇩🇪 genießen

🇮🇩 menikmati

🇺🇦 насолоджуватися

отримувати задоволення
розважатися

🇵🇱 cieszyć się

korzystać
rozkoszować się

🇯🇵 楽しむ (tanoshimu)

🇫🇷 profiter

apprécier
jouir

🇪🇸 disfrutar

gozar
gustar

🇹🇷 keyif almak

tadını çıkarmak
zevk almak

🇰🇷 즐기다 (jeulgida)

🇸🇦 استمتع (istamtae)

🇨🇿 užívat si

těšit se
vychutnat si

🇸🇰 užívať si

tešiť sa
vychutnávať si

🇨🇳 享受 (xiǎngshòu)

🇸🇮 uživati

veselit se
radovati se

🇮🇸 njóta

hafa gaman af
gleðjast

🇰🇿 ләззат алу

🇬🇪 ისიამოვნო (isiamovno)

🇦🇿 zövq almaq

həzz almaq
ləzzət almaq

🇲🇽 disfrutar

gozar
gustar

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,391, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

...
2388 rank
2389 award
2390 operator
2391 enjoy
2392 attempted
2393 agreements
2394 attend
...