1 please
/ˈpliːz/
adverb
1 please
/ˈpliːz/
adverb
Britannica Dictionary definition of PLEASE
1
a
— used to ask for something in a polite way
-
Please come in.
-
Please bring your books with you to every class.
-
Pass the salt, please. = Would you please pass the salt.
-
I'll have a glass of red wine, please.
-
Please don't leave the door open.
-
Next, please! = Will the next person please come forward?
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
b
— used to show that a request is serious or important
-
Please, God, help us.
-
I beg you. Please, don't leave me here alone.
-
Will everyone please be quiet and listen?
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
2
— used as a polite way of saying yes
-
“Would you like some tea?” “Please.”
-
“How about a piece of cake?” “Yes, please.”
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
3
informal
— used to show that you do not agree with or believe something that was said
-
Oh, please. You can't be serious! That makes no sense!
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
2 please
/ˈpliːz/
verb
pleases;
pleased;
pleasing
2 please
/ˈpliːz/
verb
pleases;
pleased;
pleasing
Britannica Dictionary definition of PLEASE
1
:
to make (someone) happy or satisfied
[+ object]
-
He joined the football team to please his father.
-
She enjoys pleasing others.
-
Her parents were pleased by her decision.
-
It pleases me to know that you liked the gift.
-
They're very hard/easy to please.
-
You can't please everyone.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
[no object]
— used in the phrase to please
-
She's always been eager to please.
-
restaurants that aim to please
-
All of their desserts are sure to please. [=everyone will like them]
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
— opposite displease
2
[no object]
:
to make a choice about what to do, have, etc.
-
Since he no longer lives with his parents, he's able to come and go as he pleases. [=to come and go whenever he wants to]
-
There's no hurry. Stay as long as you please. [=as long as you want to stay]
-
I can do whatever I please. [=like]
-
You can do as you please. [=you can do whatever you want/choose to do]
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
as you please
British, informal
— used to make a statement more forceful especially when describing behavior that is surprising
-
She walked right in, bold as you please. [=in a very bold way]
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
if you please
old-fashioned + formal
1
— used to make a polite request
-
Follow me, if you please, and I'll show you to the garden.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
2
— used to express your surprise or annoyance about something
-
He insulted her, and then, if you please [=if you would believe it], asked for her help.
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples
please yourself
— used to say that you can do what you want to do
-
“I'm going to skip the party tonight.” “OK, please yourself.” [=suit yourself]
[+] more examples [-] hide examples [+] Example sentences [-] Hide examples