please

please¹ W2S1 [pli:z] interjection

1.) used to be polite when asking someone to do something

▪ Could you please clean up the living room?

▪ Sit down, please.

▪ Please be quiet!

2.) used to be polite when asking for something

▪ I'd like a cup of coffee, please.

▪ Please can I go to Rebecca's house?

3.) said in order to politely accept something that someone offers you

▪ 'More wine?' 'Yes, please.'

4.) Please! informal

a) said when you think what someone has just said or asked is not possible or reasonable

▪ Oh, please, he'd never do that.

b) used to ask someone to stop behaving badly

▪ Alison! Please!

5.) please Sir/Mrs Towers etc

BrE spoken used by children to get an adult's attention

please ²

please² W3 v

[Date: 1300-1400; : Old French; Origin: plaisir, from Latin placere 'to please, be decided']

1.) [I,T not in progressive]

to make someone happy or satisfied

▪ a business that wants to please its customers

▪ She did everything she could to please him.

▪ Most children are eager to please .

be hard/easy/impossible etc to please

▪ She's hard to please. Everything has to be perfect.

2.) [I not in progressive]

used in some phrases to show that someone can do or have what they want

▪ She does what she pleases .

however/whatever etc you please

▪ You can spend the money however you please.

▪ With the Explorer pass, you can get on and off the bus as you please .

3.) please yourself

spoken used when telling someone to do whatever they like, even though really you think they are making the wrong choice

▪ 'I don't think I'll go.' 'Okay, please yourself.'

4.) if you please

old-fashioned

a) formal used to politely ask someone to do something

▪ Close the door, if you please.

b) BrE used to show that you are surprised, angry, or annoyed about something

▪ He asked me, in my own house if you please, to leave the room!

5.) bold/calm/cool etc as you please

BrE spoken very ↑bold, calm etc, in a way that is surprising

▪ He just walked in and sat down, as bold as you please.

6.) please God

used to express a very strong hope or wish

▪ Everything will be all right, please God.