Etymology Map
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Please

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means to make someone happy; used to make a polite request

Where does the word "please" come from? It comes from Latin placere, passing through Old French before entering English (1300s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
placere
Latin · ancient
"to be agreeable"
the root of 'placid' and 'complacent'
2
Stage 2 of 3
plaisir
Old French · medieval
"to please"
the infinitive also became the noun 'pleasure'
3
Stage 3 of 3
please
English · 1300s
"to give satisfaction"
the polite 'please' is short for 'if it please you'
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Read the full story

Please’s story begins in Latin: placere meant “to be agreeable.” The root of 'placid' and 'complacent'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as plaisir. The infinitive also became the noun 'pleasure'. It reached English by 1300s as please. The polite 'please' is short for 'if it please you'. Today, please means to make someone happy; used to make a polite request.