please

1 /pli:z/ interjection

1 used when you want to ask for something politely: I'd like a cup of coffee, please. | Please can we go now? | “Would you like some more?” “Yes please.”

2 used to emphasize a request or wish: “May I have some water?” “Please do.” | Please don't be too long, because I have to go out soon. | Will you children please be quiet!

3 used when you want to accept something that someone has offered you and show that you are grateful: “Would you like a cup of tea?” “Please, I'd love one.”

4 Please! informal often humorous used to ask someone to stop behaving badly: Alison! Please! | Please, John, this isn't the time to discuss it!

5 please Sir/Mrs Towers etc spoken used by children to get an adult's attention

2 verb (not in progressive)

1 (I, T) to make someone happy or satisfied: please sb: I only got married to please my parents. | The child is very eager to please. | be hard/easy etc to please: Mark's a hard one to please.

—opposite displease

2 please yourself

a) spoken used to tell someone that they can do whatever they like because you are annoyed and do not care what they do: Well I'm going to the party - you can please yourself!

b) to do whatever you like because you do not have to obey anyone or follow any rules: We don't have to be back in the hotel by any particular time, we can just please ourselves.

3 as sb pleases

a) doing whatever you want to do: He just does as he pleases and never thinks of anyone else.

b) formal used to tell someone that they will have to decide something and you do not mind what they do

4 whatever/however etc sb pleases whatever, however etc someone wants: They can appoint whoever they please.

5 bold/cool as you please spoken used to express surprise about someone's behaviour, when they have done something strange as if it is completely normal: He was walking down the road carrying a rifle, as bold as you please.

6 if you please

a) formal used to make a polite request: Close the door, if you please.

b) old-fashioned used to say that you find something difficult to believe, or are very surprised or angry about it: And now she says she needs yet another new dress, if you please!

7 please God used to express a very strong hope or wish: They should have got back by now - please God they're OK.