Synonyms for please


Grammar : Verb
Spell : pleez
Phonetic Transcription : pliz

Top 10 synonyms for please Other synonyms for the word please

Définition of please

Origin :
  • early 14c., "to be agreeable," from Old French plaisir "to please, give pleasure to, satisfy" (11c., Modern French plaire, the form of which is perhaps due to analogy of faire), from Latin placere "to be acceptable, be liked, be approved," related to placare "to soothe, quiet" (source of Spanish placer, Italian piacere), possibly from PIE *plak-e- "to be calm," via notion of still water, etc., from root *plak- (1) "to be flat" (see placenta).
  • Meaning "to delight" in English is from late 14c. Inverted use for "to be pleased" is from c.1500, first in Scottish, and paralleling the evolution of synonymous like (v.). Intransitive sense (e.g. do as you please) first recorded c.1500; imperative use (e.g. please do this), first recorded 1620s, was probably a shortening of if it please (you) (late 14c.). Related: Pleased; pleasing; pleasingly.
  • Verbs for "please" supply the stereotype polite word (e.g. "Please come in," short for may it please you to ...) in many languages (French, Italian), "But more widespread is the use of the first singular of a verb for 'ask, request' " [Buck, who cites German bitte, Polish proszę, etc.]. Spanish favor is short for hace el favor "do the favor." Danish has in this sense vær saa god, literally "be so good."
  • verb delight, make happy
  • verb will, elect to do
Example sentences :
  • If it please you, lady, my master bids me say he desires your presence.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • It is ever thus, when we disobey the gods, to please mortals.
  • Extract from : « Philothea » by Lydia Maria Child
  • Tell Aunt Cornelia, please, that I shall be along in just a moment.
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • He returned at length with the message, "The lady says will you please step up-stairs."
  • Extract from : « The Spenders » by Harry Leon Wilson
  • "Call me Mr. Davis, if you please," said Halbert, haughtily.
  • Extract from : « Brave and Bold » by Horatio Alger
  • “Seventeen, an it please your grace,” said Stephen, in the gruff voice of his age.
  • Extract from : « The Armourer's Prentices » by Charlotte M. Yonge
  • "Count me in, please," said Blanche, in her usual vein of frankness.
  • Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson
  • She looked, as she always did, indignant at having said anything to please him.
  • Extract from : « Malbone » by Thomas Wentworth Higginson
  • You and my other uncle can do a great deal for me, if you please, with my papa.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson
  • I am sure they will, if you please to give them your sanction.
  • Extract from : « Clarissa, Volume 1 (of 9) » by Samuel Richardson

Antonyms for please

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019