Please Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2025)

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?

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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?

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2

used as a polite way of saying yes

  • “Would you like some tea?” “Please.”

  • “How about a piece of cake?” “Yes, please.”

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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!

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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.

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[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]

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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.

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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]

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Please Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (2025)
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