French word

plaire

Pronunciation

IPA/plɛʁ/

Meaning

  • verbplease

Example

Ce film plaît beaucoup aux enfants.

This film really pleases children.

Illustration for plaire (please)

More examples

Ils se plaisent dans cette ville.

They feel at home in this city.

Core concept

A person or thing landing well with someone and drawing their interest or approval.

Common phrases

  • plaire à quelqu'un

    please someone

  • se plaire

    feel at home

Similar words

aimer: To like or have a fondness for something or someone.
adorer: To like something or someone very strongly.
apprécier: To recognize the value or quality of something and like it.
charmer: To attract and delight someone through charm.

Definition in French

Provoquer chez quelqu'un une impression favorable ou de l'intérêt; s'emploie pour des choses, des actions ou des personnes et prend souvent la tournure « plaire à ».

Word origin

French plaire comes through Old French from Latin placere, meaning 'to be agreeable', and keeps this basic idea of producing a favorable response.

Usage tips

  • The liked thing is the grammatical subject in plaire à constructions, so 'Ce film plaît aux enfants' means the film pleases the children.

Other meanings

  • appeal to ___verb

Opposites

Related words

Word lists with this word