displease - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
displease Word Meanings
- to cause someone to feel unhappy, annoyed, or dissatisfied
- to fail to please someone or meet their expectations
- to be displeasing or offensive to someone
displease Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
displease Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪsˈpliːz/
US
/dɪsˈpliːz/
displease Word Etymology
Root decomposition: prefix dis- + root please; it signals negation of the idea to please. Historical origin: from Latin placere 'to please', via Old French plaire/plaïre to English please; the negating prefix dis- forms displease. Memory image: imagine a waiter serving a dish that fails to please the guest; the word displease is the opposite of please.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Displease means to cause someone to feel unhappy, annoyed, or dissatisfied; to fail to please or meet their expectations; or to be displeasing or offensive to someone. It is more formal and less common in everyday conversation than words like upset or annoy, and it often appears in reporting, diplomacy, or criticism. The verb can take a direct object, as in 'The announcement displeased the board,' or be used with be displeased with to describe the source of the dissatisfaction. In many contexts it signals a judgment about adequacy rather than a temporary irritation. Be mindful that 'displease' refers to others’ feelings, not your own.
Usage Reminders
- - Use displease to describe causing happiness or dissatisfaction in others in formal or written contexts.
- - Be displeased with describes a feeling; displease someone describes an action that causes that feeling.
- - It is more formal than upset or annoy; reserve for reports, criticism, and official statements.
- - You can say The committee was displeased with the decision or The announcement displeased the board.
- - Remember the object patterns: be displeased with something vs. displease someone.
Common Misconceptions
- Displease is the opposite of please, not a synonym of annoy.
- It should not be used to describe your own feelings unless describing others’ reactions.
- Be careful: you can be 'displeased with something' or 'displease someone', not 'displease with'.
- It sounds formal and is rarely used in everyday conversation.
- People often confuse displease with the root 'please' and assume it means to make someone happy.
Thinking Differences
Displease expresses a judgment about someone’s feelings or about an action; English uses be displeased with for the feeling and displease someone for the action. Learners often mix subject/object roles or assume it means making someone happy due to the root please.
Learning Tips
- Learn the main collocations: be displeased with something and displease someone.
- Compare with upset/annoy to feel the nuance of formality.
- Practice in report-style sentences to sound formal.
- Use the noun form 'displeasure' to expand vocabulary.
- Notice be/was/were displeased for different tenses.
- Create opposite pairs: please vs displease in short contexts.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'displease' mean?
A.To make someone happy
B.To agree with someone's idea
C.To cause dissatisfaction or annoyance
D.To enhance someone's feelings
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of the word 'displease' in a sentence.
A.The puppy was intended to displease everyone with its cuteness.
B.I displease the book on the shelf.
C.Her comments seemed to displease him greatly.
D.He tried to displease the rules of the game.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'displease'?
A.Annoy
B.Satisfy
C.Cheer
D.Delight
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'displease'?
A.Satisfy
B.Bother
C.Upset
D.Disturb
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might feel displeased?
A.The misleading advertisement may displease customers.
B.He enjoyed his favorite meal today.
C.She was thrilled about the surprise party for her.
D.The decision to cancel the event left many attendees feeling upset.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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