Pleasure Meaning

UK /ˈplɛʒə/
US /ˈplɛʒɚ/
Word Definition
pleasure meaning

Pleasure Definition & Usage

noun

A feeling of enjoyment, satisfaction, or happiness derived from an activity or experience.

Examples

  • "She took great pleasure in painting landscapes."
  • "The children shouted with pleasure as they played in the snow."
  • "He found immense pleasure in reading mystery novels."
  • "After a long week of work, they finally indulged in a weekend of pure pleasure."
  • "The concert was a real pleasure to attend, with the music lifting everyone's spirits."
noun

A source or cause of enjoyment or satisfaction.

Examples

  • "The company of good friends is one of life's greatest pleasures."
  • "He derived pleasure from helping others in his community."
  • "They found pleasure in simple things, like watching the sunset."
  • "Her pleasure was in sharing meals with her family."
  • "The pleasure of a good conversation cannot be overstated."
verb

To give someone enjoyment or satisfaction.

Examples

  • "The performance will surely pleasure the audience with its energy."
  • "Her kindness always pleasured the children around her."
  • "This luxurious spa experience pleasured me beyond expectation."
  • "The chef's culinary skills pleasured everyone at the dinner party."
  • "His music pleasured the crowd, leaving them in awe."

Cultural Context

Pleasure has been a key concept in human life and philosophy throughout history, from ancient Greek hedonism to modern psychological theories about happiness and well-being. Cultural views on pleasure vary: some cultures celebrate it as an essential part of life, while others emphasize moderation or self-control.

The Simple Pleasures of Life

Story

The Simple Pleasures of Life

In a small town by the sea, there lived a woman named Emma who believed in the power of simple pleasures. She was a painter, and every day, she would stroll down to the beach to capture the changing colors of the sky in her canvas. For her, it wasn’t the grand things that brought joy, but the small, fleeting moments. She found pleasure in the sound of waves crashing against the shore, in the scent of saltwater on a warm breeze, and in the feel of the sun on her skin. One afternoon, Emma met a traveler named Tom, who was visiting the town to take a break from his busy life. Over coffee in a cozy café, they began talking about what brought them happiness. 'For me,' Tom said, 'it's the pleasure of traveling. Every new place, every new face, every new experience—it’s all a form of adventure.' Emma smiled, 'I understand that. But for me, pleasure comes in the small, everyday things—the way light changes in the sky or the joy of a good meal shared with friends.' As they spoke, Emma realized that pleasure, in all its forms, was about appreciating what was right in front of you, whether it was a grand experience or a quiet moment. The two of them spent the rest of the afternoon wandering the beach together, each finding pleasure in the other's company and in the peaceful surroundings of the seaside town. That evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, Emma felt a deep sense of satisfaction. Life, she thought, was full of simple pleasures, if only one knew how to recognize them.

The Simple Pleasures of Life