Etymology Map
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Pleasure

3 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a feeling of happy satisfaction

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

1
Stage 1 of 3
placere
Latin · ancient
"to please"
the root of 'please' and 'placid'
2
Stage 2 of 3
plaisir
Old French · medieval
"pleasure"
the infinitive became a noun
3
Stage 3 of 3
pleasure
English · 1300s
"enjoyment"
the ending changed to match 'measure'
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Read the full story

Pleasure’s story begins in Latin: placere meant “to please.” The root of 'please' and 'placid'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as plaisir. The infinitive became a noun. It reached English by 1300s as pleasure. The ending changed to match 'measure'. Today, pleasure means a feeling of happy satisfaction.