How to pronounce pleasure
Say it like PLEZH-er. Pleasure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PLEZH).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce pleasure. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- PLEZH
- er
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Pleasure pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- PLEZHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- erKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of pleasure
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: PLEZH-uh.
What does pleasure mean?
- a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience“he was tingling with pleasure”
- something or someone that provides a source of happiness“a joy to behold”“the pleasure of his company”
- a formal expression“he serves at the pleasure of the President”
Where does pleasure come from?
From Early Modern English pleasur, plesur, alteration (with ending accommodated to -ure) of Middle English plaisir (“pleasure”), from Old French plesir, plaisir (“to please”), infinitive used as a noun, conjugated form of plaisir or plaire,
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Words that rhyme with pleasure
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of pleasure.
Questions about saying pleasure
How do you pronounce pleasure?
Say PLEZH-er. The American pronunciation is /ˈplɛʒɚ/. In British English it is /ˈplɛʒə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in pleasure?
Pleasure has two syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (PLEZH). Broken into parts: PLEZH · er.
Is pleasure pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈplɛʒə/ (PLEZH-uh).