pleasant

pleasant — adjective

1. nice to see, hear, smell, or do because it makes you feel comfortable, happy, or

1.adjectiveA2
Definition

nice to see, hear, smell, or do because it makes you feel comfortable, happy, or calm

Example

The kitchen smelled pleasant after Dad baked apple bread.

collocation: pleasant smell

We spent a pleasant evening on Grandma's balcony in Tainan.

collocation: pleasant evening

Common collocations
  • pleasant evening
  • pleasant smell
  • pleasant breeze
  • pleasant weather
  • pleasant surprise
Synonyms
  • nice

    more general and very common in everyday speech

  • enjoyable

    fits activities and times especially well

  • lovely

    stronger and warmer than pleasant

Antonyms
  • unpleasant

    the direct opposite for something that feels bad or gives no pleasure

  • nasty

    stronger and more negative, especially for smells or tastes

Grammar Patterns

pleasant weather

pleasant smell

it is pleasant to + verb

Usage Note

Common with weather, places, smells, sounds, and short periods of time. Distinguish from adjective/2: sense 1 describes the thing or experience itself, while sense 2 describes a person's way of behaving.

Common Mistakes

I am pleasant with the gift.
I am pleased with the gift.
'pleasant' describes the gift or situation; 'pleased' describes your feeling.

2. acting in a kind and polite way when speaking to or dealing with other people

2.adjectiveA2
Definition

acting in a kind and polite way when speaking to or dealing with other people

Example

The nurse stayed pleasant to every patient during the busy shift.

pleasant to + person

Even after the complaint, Mr. Lee sounded pleasant on the phone.

linking verb: sounded pleasant

Common collocations
  • pleasant to everyone
  • pleasant smile
  • pleasant voice
  • pleasant manner
  • pleasant conversation
Synonyms
  • friendly

    warmer and less focused on manners alone

  • polite

    stresses good manners more than warmth

  • kind

    broader and can include helpful actions

Antonyms
  • rude

    shows bad manners or disrespect

  • unfriendly

    shows no warmth toward other people

Grammar Patterns

be pleasant to someone

a pleasant smile

sound pleasant

Usage Note

Usually describes a person, voice, smile, or tone, and often takes to + person when you say who receives the kind behaviour. Distinguish from adjective/1: this sense is about manners, not about an enjoyable place or experience.

Common Mistakes

The waiter was pleasant with us.
The waiter was pleasant to us.
use 'to' when you say who receives the kind treatment.