Pleasure Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pleasure
[ˈplɛʒər ]
Definitions
feeling
A feeling of happiness, satisfaction, or enjoyment.
Synonyms
enjoyment, happiness, satisfaction.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pleasure |
This word is used when talking about something that gives a person a feeling of enjoyment or happiness, often in a more refined or formal context.
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| happiness |
This word is used to describe a state of well-being and contentment, generally about longer-term emotional states rather than immediate feelings.
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| enjoyment |
This term is used when describing the feeling of pleasure that comes from doing something fun or engaging, often in everyday situations.
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| satisfaction |
This term is used when someone feels content or fulfilled because of an achievement or the resolution of a problem. It's often related to things that meet one's needs or expectations.
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Examples of usage
- I get great pleasure from reading books.
- He took pleasure in helping others.
- She found pleasure in simple things like watching the sunset.
activity
An activity that brings enjoyment or satisfaction.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pleasure |
General term for a feeling of happiness or satisfaction, often used in formal or polite contexts.
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| enjoyment |
The state of experiencing pleasure or satisfaction from an activity or situation.
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| delight |
A strong feeling of happiness and enjoyment, often in response to something unexpected or particularly pleasing.
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| joy |
A deep and intense feeling of happiness, often associated with something very meaningful or significant.
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Examples of usage
- Cooking is a pleasure for her.
- Playing the piano brings him great pleasure.
formal
To give enjoyment or satisfaction to.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| pleasure |
Used to describe a feeling of happiness, enjoyment, or satisfaction when experiencing something. It is often used in social or formal contexts to express polite enjoyment.
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| satisfy |
Commonly used when a need, desire, or expectation is fulfilled, leading to a feeling of contentment. It is often used in more practical or everyday contexts.
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| gratify |
Used when someone fulfills another person's wishes or desires, leading to a feeling of pleasure, often in response to something specific. It can sometimes have a slightly formal or intellectual tone.
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| delight |
Used to describe a strong feeling of happiness or enjoyment, often when something unexpected or extraordinary happens. It is often used in more expressive or emotional contexts.
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Examples of usage
- She was pleased to see her friends.
- The performance pleased the audience.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Psychological studies suggest that pleasure can increase happiness and overall well-being.
- Different types of pleasure (physical, emotional, intellectual) can affect people in unique ways.
- The brain releases dopamine during pleasurable experiences, reinforcing the desire to seek out similar activities.
Culture
- Various cultures celebrate pleasure through festivals, food, and art, indicating its importance in human experience.
- Pleasure has often been a theme in literature and film, exploring the joys and pitfalls associated with seeking it.
- Certain cultures have philosophies, like Epicureanism, that promote the pursuit of pleasure as a primary goal in life.
Science
- Research in neuroscience has mapped out how the brain's pleasure centers react to different stimuli.
- Understanding pleasure can aid in mental health treatments and improving quality of life for individuals.
- Experiments show that even anticipating pleasure can activate the same brain areas as the experience itself.
Philosophy
- Philosophers like Aristotle and Bentham have debated the nature of pleasure, considering it central to ethics.
- The hedonistic approach to life emphasizes maximizing pleasure, influencing moral frameworks.
- Conversely, stoicism discusses controlling desires to achieve a sense of inner peace, contrasting the pursuit of pleasure.
Origin of 'pleasure'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'placere', which means 'to please'.
- In the Middle Ages, it began to evolve into a term describing enjoyment and satisfaction.
- The concept of pleasure was often linked to discussions of morality in ancient philosophies.
The word 'pleasure' originated from the Old French word 'plaisir', which means 'to please'. Over the years, it has evolved to represent a feeling of happiness or satisfaction. The concept of pleasure has been explored in various philosophical and psychological theories, highlighting its importance in human well-being and fulfillment.
See also: unpleasant.