Pleasing
/ˈpliːzɪŋ/
adjectiveverbB1present participle (when used as verb), adjective form derived from verb
Definition
Pleasing describes something that makes you feel happy, satisfied, or comfortable. It can be used for things, actions, or experiences that people find nice or enjoyable. As a verb form, "pleasing" is the act of causing happiness or satisfaction.
Was this helpful?
See It in Action
Giving happiness or satisfaction
- •The music was pleasing to the ears.
- •She found the quiet park very pleasing.
- •His kind words were pleasing to everyone.
The act of making someone happy (verb form, present participle of "please")
- •He is pleasing his guests with delicious food.
- •They are pleasing the teacher by working hard.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pleasing" like "nice," but it focuses more on making someone feel happy or satisfied.
- ✓Picture a beautiful flower or a tasty meal that makes you smile—that's pleasing.
- ✓It's the feeling you get when someone does something kind or when you see something pretty.
- ✓Sounds like "please-ing" → imagine someone saying "please" with a smile, making others feel good.
- ✓Think of a time when you gave a gift and saw the other person’s happy face—that is pleasing.
- ✓NOT like "annoying" (makes you unhappy), "pleasing" means the opposite, something good.
- ✓NOT like "exciting" (makes you feel strong energy), "pleasing" is calm, soft happiness.
- ✓NOT like "perfect" (without any mistakes), "pleasing" means good enough to make you happy, not always perfect.
Try Other Words
- •Enjoyable: meaning something that gives pleasure or fun (Use when focusing on fun or enjoyment)
- •Satisfying: meaning something that meets your needs or desires well (Use when focusing on feeling content or fulfilled)
- •Delightful: meaning very pleasing and causing great happiness (Use when you want to express stronger positive feelings)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "please" + suffix "-ing" (makes it a verb form or adjective showing ongoing action or quality)
- •Etymology: From Old French "plaisir" meaning "to please, give pleasure"
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English to mean causing pleasure or satisfaction
- •Modern usage: Used as an adjective to describe something nice or agreeable, and as a verb form meaning the act of making someone happy
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of things do you find most pleasing in your daily life, and why?
•Can something be pleasing to one person but not to another? How does personal taste affect what is pleasing?
Fill in the blanks
1.The soft music was very pleasing ___ the tired workers after a long day.
2.She spent hours ___ her guests by cooking their favorite meals.
3.Unlike loud noises, the gentle sound was pleasing ___ the children.
4.They found the clean and bright room ___ to their eyes.
5.He is always ___ his parents with good behavior.
6.A pleasing smile can ___ a friendly and warm atmosphere.
7.The painting was pleasing ___ everyone who saw it because of its bright colors.